When Brock Purdy saw Jimmy Garoppolo take over as the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback in 2022, he realized his own opportunity might come sooner than expected. That moment arrived later in the season when Garoppolo suffered an injury, forcing Purdy into action. He seized the opportunity, became the starter, and never looked back.
Purdy was the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, passed over multiple times by every team—including the 49ers. However, being overlooked was nothing new to him. He remained focused on making the most of any chance that came his way.
Recently, Purdy appeared on the Built 4 More podcast. While he didn't discuss his contract situation with the 49ers, he did reflect on the recurring theme of his football journey—being underestimated.
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"My whole story has been just being overlooked, not good enough," Purdy said. "And for me, deep down inside, I'm like, I know I can play and compete at this level, this level, this level. And so, high school, it was the case. And then I became a starter, and we went to the state championship, all that. But I got recruited very late.
"And then all of a sudden I barely get an offer at the end, and I go to Iowa State. And then I was the third-string guy going into that—overlooked. And then I became the starter halfway through that season, and then for four more years.
"And then I got drafted last. So, all these people tell me that you're not going to be good enough, but deep down inside, this whole time, I'm like, just wait until I get an opportunity to compete."
When Purdy finally got that chance as a rookie, he led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game. The following season, he helped guide them to the Super Bowl.
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Now entering his third NFL season, Purdy has grown both as a player and a leader. When asked about his favorite part of being a quarterback, he emphasized the importance of uniting a diverse group of players and leading them toward a common goal.
That challenge continues each year due to free agency, the draft, and the ever-changing nature of NFL rosters. Purdy understands his role in helping new teammates embrace the standard set within the 49ers' locker room.
"It's like, how can we take this group of guys every year, who don't know each other, and you've got to find a way to love each other, and then go accomplish the thing?" Purdy said. "And so, being a quarterback and doing that is, to me, what it's all about. I love that."
You can listen to Purdy's entire interview below.