American · Alma, USA · Born 27 December 1999Brock Purdy was the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft who rose to become the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback and led them to Super Bowl LVIII.
Brock Purdy was the very last player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, earning the tongue-in-cheek "Mr. Irrelevant" title given to the draft's final pick. Two seasons later, he was starting a Super Bowl. Born in Queen Creek, Arizona, on December 27, 1999, he developed his game at Perry High School before a standout career at Iowa State, where he became the Cyclones' starting quarterback. Initially expected to serve as a developmental third-string quarterback for the 49ers, Purdy's opportunity came suddenly when injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo thrust him into action during his rookie season. Purdy made his first NFL start in December 2022 and immediately demonstrated remarkable composure and efficiency within Kyle Shanahan's offensive system. Purdy's rookie campaign produced several notable achievements, including becoming the first rookie quarterback to win his first seven starts since Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. His precision passing and quick decision-making helped guide the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game, making him the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game. Despite suffering an elbow injury in the conference championship, his rookie season established him as a legitimate NFL starter and one of the most accurate passers in the league. The quarterback's rapid ascent from draft afterthought to franchise cornerstone represents one of the NFL's most remarkable success stories. His ability to maximize the 49ers' offensive weapons while maintaining exceptional accuracy and minimizing turnovers has redefined expectations for late-round quarterback selections. Purdy's emergence has also validated the importance of system fit and coaching in quarterback development, demonstrating that talent evaluation extends far beyond draft position. His story continues to inspire undrafted and late-round prospects throughout professional football.
San Francisco 49ers 'Mr. Irrelevant' turned starting quarterback
How They Played
Accurate passer with excellent decision-making, pocket awareness, and ability to work within offensive system
Lasting Impact
Transformed from Mr. Irrelevant to franchise quarterback, proving that draft position doesn't determine NFL success
Career Honours
- NFC champion (2023)
- 1x Pro Bowl
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | 2022–2024 | 49 | #13 |
| Iowa State Cyclones | 2018–2021 | 46 | — |
American Athletes