2022’s “Mr. Irrelevant” is tossing aside the annual moniker and focusing on helping lead the San Francisco 49ers to a possible Super Bowl appearance. Making him all the more likable is his deep commitment to the Christian faith.
As Franklin Graham wrote on Facebook, Purdy’s commitment to Jesus Christ is the reason he is rooting for him to be successful in the playoffs. “Congratulations to QB Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers on their win last night over the Dallas Cowboys!” the post began. “They’re now just one game away from the Super Bowl! In addition to being a super talented football player, I love the fact that Brock Purdy is so open about his faith in Jesus Christ.”
Graham continued: “He told the media his secret, “I’m a faith-based guy so that’s how I stay grounded…at the end of the day I know that I’m not defined by the wins or losses as a person.” I haven’t rooted for the 49ers since Joe Montana, but I’m sure pulling for them now!”
And that’s not all he said. Graham likewise headed to Facebook following Purdy’s title-capturing victory this past December to heap praise on the devout young man. “San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been amazing in leading the 49ers into the NFL playoffs. The former Iowa State Football QB was the very last player chosen in the draft last year, a spot known as “Mr. Irrelevant.” Well, he’s now definitely Mr. Relevant since stepping in after an injury to the starting 49ers QB and leading them to seven straight wins,” the December post began.
“He gives all the credit to the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘Every time I play—no matter what happens—I want others to see God through my actions. Every time I step on the field I want to bring Him glory. Even when we lose, I point to God and thank Him for the opportunity. Everything happens for a reason; it’s all a lesson from the Lord. It’s a game, it’s not my life.’” He then concluded, “Now that’s a winning game plan for life. You can be sure I’ll be rooting for him this weekend!”
Brock Purdy, drafted last out of Iowa State, filled in for an injured Jimmy Garapolo earlier in the season and went on an amazing 5-0 run to finish out the regular season. In the process, he helped the 49ers clinch the NFC West and give them homefield advantage in the playoffs.
After clinching the divisional title this past December, head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Purdy and called him “the most poised rookie” he’s ever had. “It was definitely another level (for him). It was another level for me just watching someone do it [with] the injury he had last week, and for him to be ready to go today,” Shanahan said during the press conference.
He continued, “Still, you could tell in pregame warmups a number of things that were really tough for him, and for him to be able to just play, let alone be able to play the way he did … the team had a lot of respect for him before that game, but a lot more now. He’s definitely the most poised rookie I’ve ever had.”
Purdy, being the humble Christian he is, deflected the praise coming toward him and redirected it toward his teammates. “Honestly, I’m just another component — another piece — to this team in terms of a guy coming in and just doing what he’s asked,” Purdy said.
He continued, “I’m the quarterback. I have to make decisions. I trust in how the coaches teach me throughout the week. I just try to get the ball out to the guys on time. And honestly, I don’t think Jimmy [Garoppolo] and Trey [Lance] get enough credit for what they’ve done. I’m just now coming on the scene where these guys have been here. … I want to continue what they got rolling.”
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