"Every time I come back to Ames, there's just more development, and it looks a little different," Purdy said, according to Rob Gray of The Gazette. "It's just exciting because of the growth."
For Purdy, it wasn't just the emotions of being back at Iowa State that hit him. It was seeing so many young fans in attendance.
RELATED
"Man, I appreciate every single one of you guys," Purdy told the crowd.
He added, "Man, I'm getting emotional. I'm back here, home."
Iowa State holds a special place in Purdy's heart. It's where he realized his love for football could lead to a career, making it all the more meaningful to return to Ames, a place filled with fond memories.
With a month until the 49ers report back to Santa Clara for training camp, Purdy is giving back to the community. Despite a heartbreaking Super Bowl defeat, Purdy enjoyed an impressive 2023 campaign, setting a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards.
However, Purdy doesn't consider himself a finished product and knows there is still much work ahead if he wants to continue proving his doubters wrong. Much of that involves continuing to master the 49ers' offensive system.
"It's just the playbook, continuing to chip away at that, getting more familiar with it," Purdy shared. "It's like another language, like I always say, so you've got to always be in it. And then physically, just my mobility and hopefully being able to translate that to being quicker and more elusive and things like that. I can always continue to get better in that regard."
Purdy's journey to NFL stardom was unexpected. He was the last overall pick, "Mr. Irrelevant," in the 2022 NFL Draft. During his first offseason, he was fighting to earn a roster spot and was only thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries.
Working with youth makes Purdy emotional as he aims to set an example, showing them that hard work can turn dreams into reality.
"For them to grow up and see me playing on the field, that could be them one day," Purdy said. "So, for me, I get choked up when I see it. It's special."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey keep putting up historic stats as 49ers offense continues to dominate
No NFL offense has been hotter as of late than that of the San Francisco 49ers, and it's been due in large part to the play of quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey. After a thrilling 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, the 49ers have now... -
49ers teammate shares candid thoughts on Brock Purdy's leadership, resilience
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy didn't open strong against the Chicago Bears, throwing a pick-six on the first offensive play and giving Chicago an immediate 7-0 lead. But Purdy quickly settled in, guiding the 49ers offense through a back-and-forth duel and... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals expectations for Brock Purdy in Week 18 showdown vs. Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers have a lot at stake in Saturday night's regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. The winner will claim the NFC West title and secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, which includes home-field advantage throughout the... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after 5-TD game
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week following his standout Week 16 performance against the Indianapolis Colts. Purdy completed 25 of 34 passes (73.5 percent) for 295 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes,...