San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy wasn’t supposed to be here.
After being taken with the last pick of the 2022 draft, subsequently making him that draft’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” and being told by countless NFL scouts and college coaches that he didn’t have a bright future ahead of him as a football player, Purdy by all counts wasn’t supposed to be the starting quarterback for a team that is one win away from the Super Bowl.
But here he is, looking to spearhead the Bay Area squad to a win over the conference-best Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the NFC Championship game and looking to become the 10th backup quarterback since 1970 to win a Super Bowl.
The key for Purdy staying consistent during his abrupt rise to fame has been his faith. In his college days, he stated several times that being rooted in Christ has helped him stay steady through his journey as a quarterback at Iowa State.
"The bottom line, my identity is in Jesus.”
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) January 19, 2023
49ers QB Brock Purdy with poignant words on his faith in Christ from August 2021 pic.twitter.com/PlNtmcngMZ
He has held onto his faith in a much more secular NFL. After a win against the Miami Dolphins earlier this season he stated that when he faces the pressure of expectations of the NFL, knowing God is in control of his life helps him focus on just playing.
"You prepare as best as you can. You get better every single day at practice and once you get your opportunity, what are you going to do with it?"
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 5, 2022
Brock Purdy reflects on the win following #MIAvsSF. pic.twitter.com/q2tcDpf6X3
“For me, I believe in the Lord, and I trust in Him. I just go out there, and I just play,” Purdy said.
The quarterback’s faith has caught the attention of Franklin Graham, the President and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the son of well-known evangelist Billy Graham, who voiced his support for the 49ers after hearing Purdy’s story.
“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 said.
Whatever happens, we do know Purdy’s incredible story will be one NFL fans remember for years -- and that he will stay grounded regardless of the final result of his season.
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