Much was made of the San Francisco 49ers flirting with the idea of luring Tom Brady out of retirement before this season. The bottom line was that the team was uncertain about their quarterback situation. Starter Brock Purdy was recovering from surgery to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, while Trey Lance was returning from a serious ankle injury that ended his 2022 season.
The situation left the 49ers exploring all options, despite Purdy's impressive rookie performance guiding the team to the NFC Championship Game before his injury.
On Thursday, Purdy spoke to reporters for the last time before Sunday's Super Bowl 58 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was asked about his thought process upon learning of the 49ers' interest in acquiring Brady.
"Where my mind was at, with all that, was, 'All right, I have to get back and be healthy for there to be any kind of discussion,'" Purdy said. "Obviously, they were doing what was best for the team and trying to get a guy and make sure that there was stability within the organization at quarterback, and I don't blame them for that. So that's just the way it was. That's the nature of the sport. Injuries happen, and you've got to get a guy that's healthy and that can play.
"At that time, there was some uncertainty with when I was going to be back and everything. And I know that they didn't look at what I did the year before as nothing. I know that. We had talked, and they totally respected the way I came in and handled business.
"And so, for me, though, there was that little chip on my shoulder. It was, 'All right, if he does come, [I'll] obviously compete, but he is the GOAT. You've got to learn from him, if that's the case. But the competitive side of it was, 'Hey, man, we were just one game away from the Super Bowl. I just got hurt. I can be the guy for this team.'
"So that was my mindset with it, but I understand why they were thinking about it."
Fortunately, things turned out well for Purdy and the 49ers. The team is on the verge of securing the franchise's sixth championship, and they hope Sunday night concludes with coaches and players lifting the Lombardi Trophy.