San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy didn't make ESPN's annual list of top NFL quarterbacks, sparking debate among fans and analysts. The fourth-year signal-caller is coming off a statistically modest 2024 season as the 49ers struggled through an injury-plagued 6-11 campaign.
Despite that, San Francisco showed complete confidence in its franchise quarterback, signing Purdy to a five-year, $265 million contract extension, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid players.
Purdy joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday, sharing his honest reaction to being left off ESPN's ranking, which was compiled by reporter Jeremy Fowler using input from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.
"Everybody can have their opinion and stuff," Purdy said. "And for me, it's always been how can I be the best version of myself, right now, today, for the 49ers? And all that matters is, every Sunday, we go out there, and you try to win. And how can I be a quarterback that elevates the guys around me, go out, and find a way to win? And I feel like I've done that the last couple of years."
While 2024 fell short of expectations, Purdy's 2023 season was historic. He set a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards and threw 31 touchdowns, silencing many critics who once doubted whether the last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft could lead the team.
Still, skeptics remain, with some believing Purdy's success is largely a product of Kyle Shanahan's offensive system and the elite talent surrounding him.
"There's always going to be people saying things, and obviously, lists come out and rankings come out, and all the things, but for me, I don't buy into it," Purdy said. "My whole life, it's been like that. I've always been the overlooked guy.
"And for me, I just always got to have the chip on my shoulder, and go out there and compete every single day, and not care about the highs or the lows, but just being consistent. That's all I care about."
You can listen to Purdy's entire interview below.