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Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy was born on December 9, 1999, in Queen Creek, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix where he grew up as a self-described underdog in a football-obsessed state. At Perry High School, he was a productive quarterback but not a heavily recruited one, eventually committing to Iowa State University — not exactly a traditional quarterback factory. The theme of being overlooked would define Purdy's journey and ultimately become the most compelling narrative in the NFL. At Iowa State, Purdy became the most accomplished quarterback in program history. Over four seasons, he threw for over 12,000 yards and 81 touchdowns, leading the Cyclones to their first-ever Big 12 Championship Game and establishing records that may stand for decades. Despite his college production, NFL evaluators questioned his arm strength and his ability to translate his success to the professional level, and he was selected with the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft — earning the traditional title of 'Mr. Irrelevant.' Purdy's path to the starting job in San Francisco was the result of circumstance as much as talent. When starter Trey Lance suffered a season-ending injury, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo stepped in before himself being injured in December 2022. Purdy entered the game against the Miami Dolphins and never looked back. He won his first seven starts, including two playoff games, before a torn UCL in the NFC Championship Game ended his remarkable rookie run. The 2023 season was Purdy's true arrival. Fully healthy and entrenched as the starter, he led the 49ers to a 12-5 record and the NFC's top seed, throwing for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions. His passer rating was among the highest in the league, and his ability to operate Kyle Shanahan's offense with precision and timing silenced the narrative that he was merely a 'system quarterback' benefiting from superior coaching and talent around him. What makes Purdy effective is his remarkable processing speed and decision-making. He reads defenses quickly, identifies the correct receiver in Shanahan's complex offensive system, and delivers accurate passes with a compact, efficient throwing motion. While he may not have the cannon arm of some peers, his accuracy — particularly on intermediate routes and play-action passes — is elite, and his ability to place the ball where only his receiver can catch it consistently produces big plays. Purdy's composure under pressure has been one of the most impressive aspects of his rapid rise. Whether facing a playoff blitz or a crucial third-down situation, he maintains the same calm demeanor and makes the same sound decisions that characterize his best performances. For a player with so little NFL experience, his poise in high-leverage moments is remarkable and suggests a mental makeup that is ideally suited for the quarterback position. The 'Mr. Irrelevant' narrative has added a Hollywood element to Purdy's career that resonates beyond the football community. His story — the last pick in the draft becoming an elite starting quarterback — is the kind of underdog tale that captivates American sports fans, and his humble, grateful demeanor in the face of unexpected success has made him one of the most likeable figures in the sport. Purdy's relationship with the 49ers' weapons — tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and running back Christian McCaffrey — has been central to his success. His ability to distribute the ball efficiently among multiple elite targets, taking what the defense gives him rather than forcing throws, reflects both his unselfishness and his understanding of how Shanahan's offense is designed to function. Off the field, Purdy is known for his strong faith, his close family relationships, and his genuine humility. His father Shawn, a former minor league baseball player, and his family have been a constant source of support and grounding throughout his unexpected rise. His charitable work has focused on youth sports programs and faith-based community organizations in both Arizona and the San Francisco Bay Area. Brock Purdy's story is still being written, but the early chapters have been nothing short of extraordinary. His journey from Mr. Irrelevant to franchise quarterback is one of the great underdog stories in NFL history, and his continued development suggests that the best — and most improbable — chapters are yet to come.
Full profile →Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert, born on March 10, 1998, in Eugene, Oregon, is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Oregon, where he gained recognition for his strong arm and ability to make plays under pressure. Drafted by the Chargers as the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Herbert quickly made an impact in the league, setting multiple rookie records and earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Known for his impressive throwing mechanics and decision-making skills, he has been a consistent performer for the Chargers, leading them to competitive seasons. In 2022, Herbert continued to showcase his talents, solidifying his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. As of 2023, he remains a vital part of the Chargers' offense, expected to lead the team to greater successes in the coming seasons.
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