Brock Purdy

Brock Richard Purdy defied all odds to transform from the final pick in the NFL draft into one of football's most exceptional young quarterbacks, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure and elite decision-making that confounded scouts who initially overlooked his abilities. Born December 27, 1999 in Queen Creek, Arizona, Purdy starred at Perry High School in Gilbert, earning Gatorade Football Player of the Year honors and The Arizona Republic's high school player of the year recognition. At Iowa State University (2018-2021), Purdy became a three-time All-Big 12 quarterback while setting 32 school records including career passing touchdowns (81) and total touchdowns (100). His freshman season produced a career-best 169.9 passer rating, sixth-best in all NCAA football. In 2020, he led the Cyclones to a 9-3 record and number nine national ranking, the highest in school history dating to 1895. Purdy's four years at Iowa State marked the program's first four consecutive winning seasons since 1923-1927. He graduated in 2021 with a degree in communication studies.

The San Francisco 49ers selected Purdy with the final pick (262nd overall) of the 2022 draft, making him that year's "Mr. Irrelevant." After injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy assumed the starting role and won all five regular-season starts. On December 11, 2022, he became the only quarterback in his first career start to beat a Tom Brady-led team, defeating Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7 with 185 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. His playoff debut against Seattle Seahawks produced 332 yards and four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing), the most by a rookie quarterback in playoff history, as San Francisco won 41-23.