No one could have predicted the trajectory of Brock Purdy's career when the San Francisco 49ers selected him as the last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Elevated to the starting role during his rookie season due to injuries, Purdy flourished, guiding the 49ers into the playoffs and on the brink of a Super Bowl appearance.
However, an injury to Purdy in the NFC Championship Game thwarted San Francisco's plans.
One year later, Purdy has the 49ers Super Bowl-bound. They orchestrated a remarkable comeback against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game, securing a spot in the NFL title game in Las Vegas on February 11.
When Purdy steps onto the field against the Kansas City Chiefs, he will become the third-youngest quarterback to start a Super Bowl at 24 years, one month, and 15 days old. If he and the 49ers emerge victorious and hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy, Purdy will become the second-youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl in NFL history, behind only Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Roethlisberger was 23 years, 11 months, and three days old when he won Super Bowl 40. Purdy might have surpassed Roethlisberger had he not been injured in last season's NFC Championship Game.
Purdy awesome Brock! ✨
1) Dan Marino, Dolphins (23 years, 127 days)
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 29, 2024
2) Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (23 years, 340 days)
3) Brock Purdy, 49ers (24 years, 46 days) pic.twitter.com/Z5IxhtjFuW
The youngest quarterback to start a Super Bowl is Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins, who was 23 years, four months, and five days old in his only NFL title game appearance, a Super Bowl 19 loss to the 49ers.
A 49ers victory over the Chiefs would make Purdy one of only three quarterbacks in NFL history to win a Super Bowl at the age of 24, joining Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. He is set to become one of seven quarterbacks all-time to start a Super Bowl at 24, a list that includes Jared Goff, whom Purdy's 49ers defeated on Sunday.
Purdy boasts a 17-4 record as a starter, not including his four playoff victories.