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Long before the 2023 NFL season began, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan already knew he had a notable quarterback in Brock Purdy, from his play on the field to the character he exhibits off the field.
But in his first full season as San Francisco’s starter, Purdy has found continued success, along with plenty of skeptics along the way. And handle the latter has impressed Shanahan as much as Purdy’s skills at center, the coach recently told NBC Sports’ Peter King.
“So I hear what people say. People criticize it. It’s funny,” Shanahan told King. “Playing quarterback is how you play quarterback. What if Joe Montana was there? Joe’s not going to run like Lamar and Patrick. But he’s Joe Montana! I’m not trying to compare him to Brock. But You know, this is “It’s a big sport, with huge media. People in our profession also have to realize how the world works. The boys have to talk. We only play once a week, and the rest of the week, everyone talks.
“This is what I love about Brock. Last pick of the draft. He leads us to the conference championship twice and to this Super Bowl in two years. There is talk of MVP. And the friend, he doesn’t have to try hard not to listen to it or try to stay humble or try not to get caught up in how life is changing. You know why? He does not care. He really has a real foundation and he knows who he is and who he wants to be. That is rare for any human being. He is a special player. but these things … “He’s a special guy.”
Purdy has never paid attention to the naysayers as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has faced criticism at every turn, but you would think his play would silence the outside noise. Despite leading the NFL in several key quarterback statistics this season, he has still been described as a “game manager,” a label he finds comical.
“I think it’s kind of funny, just because we’re winning,” Purdy told ESPN’s Michelle Beisner-Buck on “NFL Countdown” this week. “I think over time I might get some respect, but more than anything it’s not about proving people wrong or anything like that, it’s about proving myself right.
“Over time I have told myself that I am good enough and worthy enough to play at this level, and over time I will prove that to myself.”
Purdy’s unwavering confidence, which he often attributes to his faith, is something not all players are born with, especially in the face of such widespread national opinions about his game. Shanahan believes part of this also comes from his humble nature, he told King, something he noticed from Day 1.
“It’s coming from somewhere, I’m sure it’s your parents,” Shanahan told King. “I think it has a lot to do with his faith. He has a foundation in him of who he is as a human being. He is very confident in who he is as a person. He is one of the most confident and humble people I have ever met. Almost arrogant, which is the wrong word because he’s so humble and such a good guy. He believes 1000% in himself. This doesn’t surprise him at all.
“I remember his run before his first start last year. He made all these mistakes. Some audibles were lost; ‘cans’, we call them. It’s not a good day. He comes up to me right after and he says, “I hope that didn’t stress you out, Kyle.” That will happen to me sometimes. Trust me. I won’t spoil them in the game. Do not be afraid.’ And, of course, he goes out and plays very well.”
The 49ers are back in the Super Bowl, and Purdy has led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances since taking over at center in Week 13 of last season. The 24-year-old is a big reason for San Francisco’s success and knows everyone else will soon take notice.
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