49ers' Brock Purdy embraces 'Mr. Irrelevant' nickname ahead of Super Bowl: 'I fell last for a reason'

David Suggs

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49ers' Brock Purdy embraces 'Mr. Irrelevant' nickname ahead of Super Bowl: 'I fell last for a reason' image

Brock Purdy is embracing irrelevancy.

The final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy catapulted from anonymity to the biggest stage. The 49ers quarterback has his team on the brink of a Super Bowl fresh off a campaign in which he led the league in passer rating (113.0).

Purdy isn't the perfect hurler, not by any stretch. But he's been far better than his draft position promised. And yet Purdy is not resentful of his underdog status.

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In an interview with NFL Network's Michael Robinson, Purdy explained that he could not list all the names of the eight quarterbacks who went before him in his draft class.

"Honestly, I'm not that kind of guy," Purdy said. "I know a couple of guys that got drafted before me, but I've never held a grudge for it or anything.

"I'm a believer that God has a plan for everybody and I fell last for a reason."

Purdy ended his college career as a good — but not great — quarterback. He was widely viewed as a viable backup option with decent accuracy and above-average athleticism. His future accomplishments would revolve around whether he could find a system built around timing patterns and clever play designs to play to his strengths.

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In San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan, Purdy found the perfect dance partner. The 49ers are teeming with playmakers, from offensive line to fullback. Couple that with Purdy's impressive short game and you have a team on the cusp of greatness.

Purdy's impressive stats can't be ignored, especially in the context of inconsistent quarterback play across the league. The 24-year-old is not losing track of his journey, though. And despite countless attempts by others to repackage him and his story, Purdy is sticking to the script.

"I'm OK with Mr. Irrelevant," Purdy said.

It's served him well so far. Why switch up his nickname on the eve of the biggest game of his life?

Brock Purdy Stats 2023

GP 16
Record 12-4
Rate 113.0
Comp/Att 308-444
Comp. Pct. 69.4
Pass Yds 4,280
Pass TDs 31
INT 11

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.