This Sunday at the 58th Super Bowl, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has the chance to take his career to the next level.
Despite being picked last, Purdy has risen to the top, taking his team to the championships. However, not everyone is thrilled about Purdy’s success. Many football fans are skeptical his underdog story will have a happy ending.
When you enter the league as the last pick in the draft, you are bound to have a lot of naysayers. And despite having one of the highest pass completion percentages, Purdy is no exception.
In the eyes of some NFL fans, there’s no way a quarterback drafted so low can come so high. It’s also hard to shake the “Mr. Irrelevant” nickname that Purdy and other No. 262 NFL draft picks receive before entering the league.
But for Purdy, the nickname is not an insult. It is a badge of honor.
“I’m gonna continue to wear it with pride,” Purdy said on Monday during the Super Bowl Opening Night.
- San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the Super Bowl Opening Night in Las Vegas.
Purdy will become the first “Mr. Irrelevant” quarterback to ever start in a Super Bowl.
So, what will it take for fans to have faith in Purdy?
You’d think getting to and potentially winning a Super Bowl would solidify Purdy’s talent and place in the NFL. But you’d be wrong. According to former Dallas Cowboys lineman Chris Canty, even with a championship ring, Purdy cannot be classified as an elite quarterback.
Earlier this week, Canty appeared on ESPN’s show First Take alongside talking head Stephen A. Smith and former footballer Damien Woody. Canty argued that if Purdy didn’t have guys like 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey or tight end George Kittle, he’d still be irrelevant.
But football is not a one-man show. Quarterbacks are part of a team, and although it helps to have an elite offense and defense, QBs still need the talent and precision to move the ball.
“Just watch the tapes,” 49ers linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles advised.
Purdy has that talent.
Two years ago, when Purdy headed to San Francisco, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was skeptical as his rookie QB prophesied taking the team to the Super Bowl.
- San Fransisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk during the Super Bowl press conference in Las Vegas.
“From an outsider’s perspective, it sounds crazy,” Juszczyk said. But Juszczyk remembered when he was a rookie playing on special teams, trying to make a name for himself.
Juszczyk had the potential and was looking for the opportunity to showcase his talents.
Just like Purdy.
After witnessing Purdy’s arm strength and deep passes, Juszczyk and other 49ers players began to believe that their new QB was the real deal.
“To hear that from the beginning and then see it now, you have more respect for him,” Juszczyk said.
Even if the 49ers lose to the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday, Purdy has had an incredible year, leading the league in yards per pass attempts.
More importantly, he fulfilled his prophecy by taking his team to the Super Bowl just like he said he would almost two years prior. While others may not have seen Purdy’s talent or believed in his capabilities, he believed in himself.
And sometimes, having faith in yourself is all you need to succeed.
