Brock Purdy can't escape the media and fan narratives that seek to downplay what he has accomplished in just three NFL seasons. Critics argue that the San Francisco 49ers quarterback is merely a product of head coach Kyle Shanahan's system, implying that other quarterbacks would thrive just as easily under the same conditions. Another common knock is that Purdy struggles in poor weather.
Despite the chatter, the 49ers made a strong statement of belief in their young signal-caller, signing him to a five-year, $265 million contract extension that cements his role as the team's QB1 for the foreseeable future. Still, the debates continue.
Purdy joined Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game on Thursday and was asked about the criticism and narratives often directed his way.
"Yeah, the whole system quarterback thing, early in my career, it was just funny hearing that," Purdy said. "And I'm not gonna lie, I took that as, all right, I'm a guy that can come in, and do what the coach says, and win games because of that. So, to me, that was more of a compliment, and I've sort of ran with that.
"But, I don't know, outside of that, I don't buy into really anything that anyone says. That's been the story of my life, from being a late recruit from high school to college, to the last draft pick, that's the story of my life. And I guess that's part of my story, but I just continue to be who I am and not compare myself."
As for the narrative that he can't play in bad weather or handle a wet football, Purdy couldn't help but laugh.
"Again, that's their opinion," he said. "Green Bay, it was raining, we won the game. Seattle, my rookie year, it started raining. The playoff game, we won that game."
Still, Purdy admitted that one game in particular pushed his limits—the 49ers' 35-10 road loss to the Buffalo Bills last season.
"The Buffalo game was crazy, I'm not gonna lie," Purdy said. "Just the snow and the blizzard and all that. That was on another level. But, I don't know; outside of that, I still don't buy into it. I feel like I can play in any condition and find a way to win. And I've proven it, too."
You can listen to Purdy's entire interview below.