San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy remains unfazed by critics who label him a "game manager" and attempt to downplay his accomplishments in what has been a historically impressive season. Purdy's 4,280 passing yards this season stand as the most in a single season in franchise history, and his 113.0 passer rating led the NFL.
As the 49ers gear up to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58, Purdy joined ESPN's Michelle Beisner-Buck for an interview on "NFL Countdown." When asked about the "game manager" label, the second-year quarterback offered a surprising and classy response.
"I think it's sort of funny, just because we're winning," Purdy said. "I think, over time, I might get some respect, but more than anything, it hasn't been about proving people wrong or any of that. It's always been about just proving myself right. Over time, I've told myself that I'm good enough and I'm worthy enough to be playing at this level, and over time, I'll prove that to myself."
Purdy's head coach, Kyle Shanahan, recently addressed the unfair criticism that his quarterback has endured this season.
"It is comical," Shanahan told Peter King of NBC Sports. "Playing quarterback is how you play quarterback. What if Joe Montana was in there? Joe's not gonna run around like Lamar [Jackson] and Patrick [Mahomes]. But he's Joe Montana!"
While Shanahan isn't comparing Purdy to Montana, he is making a point. The position is so scrutinized that it invites criticism. Purdy stands on the cusp of joining Montana and Steve Young as the only 49ers quarterbacks to lead their teams to a championship.
"It would seem like a dream," Purdy said of the opportunity. "Every time I saw the 49ers playing on TV growing up, and you see the Forty-Niner logo, you instantly think of Joe Montana, and the Super Bowls, and Steve Young, and how electric he was in his Super Bowls.
"It just wouldn't really make sense to me for my name to be up there with theirs. I can't get caught up in all that. It's how can I be the best for this 2023 49ers football team and try to do everything I can to win the championship for them? But what an honor it would be."
Still discussing the criticism towards his quarterback, Shanahan noted his understanding of how the NFL world works. He's always expressed a great deal of respect for the media's job but acknowledges that narratives sometimes get overblown. That's part of the game.
"People have to realize, in our profession, about how the world works, too," Shanahan said. "Guys have to talk. We only play once a week, and the rest of the week, everybody talks."
That media chatter never affects Purdy, who has led the 49ers to the NFC Championship twice and now a Super Bowl since being drafted with the last overall pick in 2022.
"And the dude, he doesn't have to work at not listening to it or trying to stay humble or trying to not get caught up in how life is changing," Shanahan continued. "You know why? He doesn't care. He really has a true foundation and knows who he is and who he wants to be. That is rare for any human. He's a special player."
Out-dueling quarterback Patrick Mahomes and beating the Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday will go a long way toward changing the minds of his lingering doubters. Purdy is on the cusp of delivering the 49ers their sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy and will join elite company if his 49ers emerge with the victory.