‘Mr Irrelevant’ now ‘Mr Right’

Las Vegas – Just under two years ago, Brock Purdy was a little-known college quarterback embarking on an NFL career with few expectations.

Picked by the San Francisco 49ers with the 262nd and final selection of the 2022 Draft, the fresh-faced youngster was crowned that year’s “Mr. Irrelevant” – the disparaging tag bestowed on the player chosen last from the pool of college talent entering the NFL each season.

At least one scouting report on Purdy suggested the quarterback was set to live up to his unflattering new nickname. “Not a very good athlete...limited arm, both in strength and throw repertoire,” the report read.

But fast-forward to 2024 and Purdy is on the brink of history, leading the 49ers into tomorrow’s Super Bowl showdown against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, where “Mr. Irrelevant” could complete his remarkable transformation into San Francisco’s “Mr. Right”.

At the start of his rookie season, Purdy was the 49ers’ third choice quarterback, way down the pecking order behind Trey Lance (chosen third in the draft overall a year earlier), and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Yet it soon became clear to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan that Purdy was the pick of his signal-callers.

Purdy got his chance later that season when injuries thrust him into the starting role.

“I haven’t been the biggest, the fastest or the strongest but I’ve found ways to win,” Purdy said on Tuesday at a 49ers media event.

“That’s using my mind, anticipating things and winning games that way, rather than hurdling somebody, or out-running somebody, or throwing the ball 70 yards.” –