Brock Purdy's Rise from 'Mr. Irrelevant' to 49ers' Franchise Quarterback

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to host the Miami Dolphins, a matchup that brings back memories of a pivotal moment in the franchise's recent history. It was during the last visit from the Dolphins on December 7, 2022, that Brock Purdy, then an unknown seventh-round draft pick, entered the game for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo. This unexpected appearance marked the beginning of Purdy's ascent to becoming the 49ers' starting quarterback and a key player for the team.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan described the game as "foreshadowing how the following three years would go." In the five years prior, Shanahan had built a sophisticated offensive scheme and surrounded it with talent, but had yet to find a consistent quarterback to elevate the team to the next level. Purdy's performance against the Dolphins provided that crucial piece.

"We had such a good team that year, and it’s such mixed feelings when you lose your starter [Trey Lance] and your backup [Garoppolo] within a month of each other," Shanahan recalled. "Then you’re down to the third-string quarterback the whole game. So, it was a little sombering after the game and stuff, but I remember … when I got home that night and actually sitting and thinking about the game and really setting in how well Brock played. Just going against that defense he did under duress with all the blitzes, how he hung in there, took hits, how he didn’t get many reps at all the whole year and how he knew exactly where to go with the ball."

Despite the pressure from Miami's defense, which blitzed Purdy extensively, he completed 25 of 37 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns, also adding a first down on a sneak play. His ability to remain calm and deliver the ball accurately, even when taking hits, impressed his teammates and coaches.

Tight end George Kittle recalled a specific throw where Purdy was hit but still managed to connect with Kittle over the middle. "I was like, ‘Yeah, all right, I can play with this. This is awesome.’ He hit me in the chest, right where you want it," Kittle said. "Then I saw the replay, and I was like, ‘Holy s–t, good job, Brock.’ You just need a couple plays like that and [not only] his confidence skyrockets but everyone around him skyrockets as well."

Purdy's journey from "Mr. Irrelevant" to "Mr. Relevant" has been remarkable. He was the 262nd and final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, he has led the 49ers to a 36-18 record in games he has started, and he has secured a five-year, $265 million contract extension.

Even those on the sidelines were surprised by Purdy's immediate impact. Defensive assistant Johnny Holland expressed the sentiment of many when he was heard asking, "Oh, Brock’s at quarterback?" upon hearing his name announced. Legendary radio announcer Greg Papa famously dubbed him "Mr. Relevant" during his initial touchdown drive, a title that has stuck as Purdy has proven his value to the team.