Greatness runs through the Grand Canyon State.
When Brock Purdy takes the field on Thursday night, he won't just be representing the San Francisco 49ers or the Iowa State Cyclones; He'll be representing all the boys and girls looking to make it beyond the city limits of Queen Creek, Ariz.
Before slinging it for the 49ers and the Cyclones, Purdy made his way from the small-but-growing town in suburban Phoenix. While he's the most notable name to come from Queen Creek, there are others from the area who are familiar names — including one very bearded passer who was also taken in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
MORE: Mr. Irrelevant no more — How Purdy matches up against other last-pick NFL draftees
Here's what to know about Purdy's upbringing:
Where is Brock Purdy from?
Purdy was born in Queen Creek, Ariz., on Dec. 27, 1999 and attended Perry High School in nearby Gilbert. The two towns are separated by about 10 miles. Queen Creek rests in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
If Gilbert, Ariz., sounds familiar to you — which would be, admittedly, slightly strange — that's because it's the same town where journeyman NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was born and raised. While the two didn't attend the same high school, they did go to schools in the same district.
Fitzpatrick attended Highland High School and graduated in 2001.
Purdy is the most notable name — in athletics or otherwise — to emerge from Queen Creek.
Depending on what one classifies as a "hometown," Purdy here are a few others who are from the Gilbert area:
- Ryan Fitzpatrick (Former NFL QB)
- Mina Kimes (ESPN NFL analyst)
- MyKayla Skinner (U.S. Olympic gymnast)
- Shea Hillenbrand (Former MLB infielder)
- Ryan Leslie (Entertainer)
Brock Purdy college
Purdy decided to head away from Arizona for college, opting to sign with Matt Campbell's Iowa State Cyclones.
Purdy spurned offers from Alabama, Texas A&M, Boise State and other schools to play for the Cyclones. Between 2018 and 2021, Purdy played in 48 games at Iowa State, throwing 81 touchdowns to 33 interceptions and 12,170 yards.
