This summer, Quarterback Brock Purdy signed a 5 year, 265 million dollar extension with the San Francisco 49ers, putting Brock Purdy among one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Though this is happy news for him now, it wasn’t easy for Brock to get where he is now.
Just last season, Brock Purdy was signed to a 4 year, 3.7 million dollar contract, giving him just about $850k per season. While this is phenomenal money for an average American, the average NFL salary is just over 3 million dollars, putting Brock Purdy significantly under the curve.
Brock Purdy was infamously picked with the 262nd pick in the 2022 NFL draft, making him the “Mr. Irrelevant” of that year’s draft. Historically, almost all 7th round players get cut from their respective teams before the season even starts. Still, Purdy managed to keep his role as the third string quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
To begin the 2022 season, the 49ers announced second year quarter Trey Lance as the starter for the season. Following an early injury in week two though, veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was named the new starter for the 49ers. That didn’t last long though, as the injury bug struck yet again in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. The 49ers were left back against the wall, with 2/3 quarterbacks injured, their successful season looked like it would come to an unfortunate halt. But, somehow, some way, Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy led the 49ers to a 33-17 victory… Then another… and then another one… and then… Following an 8 game win streak, the magical Brock Purdy led the 49ers lost in the NFC Conference Championship to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Many doubted whether “Mr. Irrelevant” could repeat his rookie year magic. But when the 2023 season kicked off, Purdy picked up right where he left off, entering MVP conversations while leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Still, skeptics remained. Following a disappointing 2024 season, haters began to call Brock Purdy a “system quarterback”, arguing his success comes from an offensive scheme made for him to succeed. Star Rams Wide Receiver Puka Nacua even said that “The 49ers Super Bowl window closes” if the team offers him a large contract.
Through the doubts, Purdy decides to put his head down and keep doing what he does best. Whether it’s through winning seasons, historic numbers, or being a good leader, there’s one thing that the NFL community has to agree on. Purdy has overcome all the odds placed against him.
Brock Purdy isn’t just writing an underdog story. He’s rewriting what it means to be overlooked in sports, and still proving everyone wrong.
