Mr. Irrelevant has never been so outstanding in the NFL. Brock Purdy, who embraced the nickname after being the final pick in this season’s draft, continues to surpass expectations as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s NFC championship game.
Purdy played a crucial role once again, throwing for 214 yards in the Divisional Round victory against the Dallas Cowboys, inching his team closer to the Super Bowl on February 12.
Purdy’s astonishing performance this season has not only brought his team within reach of the title but has also reshaped the perception of the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ label.
“I don’t try to make it more than it is. I’m a faith-based guy so that’s how I stay grounded,” Purdy told reporters regarding his unexpected rise this season, before the game against Dallas.
“I don’t view football as everything, like it’s do or die. It’s a game and my job, which I take seriously, but at the end of the day, I’m not defined by wins or losses. It’s not who I am. I’m not just a quarterback. I have a life. At the same time, I’m a competitor and I love to win.”
Many NFL teams overlooked Purdy after college. Scouts doubted his vision, consistency, and delivery, which caused him to slip down the draft, eventually being picked 262nd overall—the final pick—by the 49ers.
Starting the season as the third choice, Purdy seized his opportunity after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Since then, he has been undefeated in his last seven starts, turning the 49ers into serious Super Bowl contenders.
Caleb Wilson, the last pick in the 2019 draft, knows the challenges Purdy has faced. Wilson, who has moved between practice teams and was active with the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles, finds Purdy’s success inspiring.
“Being the last pick of the draft is similar to being undrafted. There is no guarantee,” Wilson says. “I understand it’s difficult; there’s not a lot of money invested in you, and usually, there are guys ahead of you. Seeing Brock Purdy achieve so much success is awesome.”
Wilson believes Purdy is elevating the respect for the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ title. “If he wins the Super Bowl, it would definitely change the respect level for that selection. It would be extremely impressive, and I’d be rooting for him,” Wilson says.
Reflecting on his own experience, Wilson enjoyed being the last pick in 2019 and sees Purdy casting a positive light on that selection. “I don’t think there is a lot of luck in the NFL. There is too much talent.
Purdy is obviously gifted and has a moxie about him,” Wilson adds. “He has a lot of skill, and it shows how much talent there is even at the bottom of the draft.”