We don't even know with certainty that Brock Purdy will be ready for the start of the 2023 regular season. However, the NFL Players Association expects big things for the San Francisco 49ers' second-year quarterback.
Purdy started just eight games during his rookie campaign, helping guide the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game before suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. He underwent surgery on March 10 and started throwing before the team ended its offseason program.
Purdy is recovering well, and the 49ers remain hopeful that the 23-year-old quarterback will be medically cleared to start practicing sometime in late August. That could be enough time to prepare him to suit up for the team's Week 1 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
The NFLPA expects Purdy jerseys to start flying off the shelves during the upcoming season, listing the quarterback at the top of its list of rising veteran stars, ahead of Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets and Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys (h/t Kyle Madson of Niners Wire for the find).
"These players have demonstrated immense potential, capturing the attention of both fans and industry insiders," explains the NFLPA. "The Rising Stars list equips NFLPA partners, including licensees, retailers, and sponsors, with invaluable insights to strategize marketing campaigns, social media activations, player-driven content, brand ambassadorships, and product lines featuring a diverse range of players."
Below are the NFLPA's top 10 rising veteran stars for 2023.
- Brock Purdy, QB – San Francisco 49ers
- Garrett Wilson, WR – New York Jets
- Tony Pollard, RB – Dallas Cowboys
- Breece Hall, RB - New York Jets
- George Pickens, WR – Pittsburgh Steelers
- Chris Olave, WR – New Orleans Saints
- Patrick Surtain II, CB – Denver Broncos
- Miles Sanders, RB – Carolina Panthers
- DJ Moore, WR – Chicago Bears
- Jordan Love, QB – Green Bay Packers
