Mr. Irrelevant to Super Bowl Savior? The Ballad of Brock Purdy

In a league often dominated by big names and high draft picks, one quarterback has defied the odds to become a household hero for San Francisco 49ers fans.

Brock Purdy, once dubbed "Mr. Irrelevant" as the last chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft, or the 262 pick, emerged as the unexpected savior for the 49ers, leading them to Super Bowl LVIII in a stunning turn of events.

Journey to the NFL

Purdy's journey to NFL stardom began in Glendale, Arizona, where he showcased his talent as a three-star quarterback at Perry High School.

During the 2017 season, Purdy amassed an impressive 4,410 passing yards and 57 touchdowns, earning him the prestigious Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year honors. His high school career culminated with a total of 8,937 passing yards and 107 touchdowns.

He would later commit to the Iowa State Cyclones, which kick-started his stardom to the NFL.

NFL Career

Despite his success in high school and college, Purdy's path to the NFL was not without its challenges. Drafted as the 262nd overall pick, Purdy faced skepticism as the "Mr. Irrelevant" of the 2022 draft class.

However, fate intervened when the San Francisco 49ers took a chance on the young quarterback, signing him as a third-string quarterback.

Purdy's opportunity to shine arrived sooner than expected when injuries sidelined both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. In his debut season, Purdy seized the starting role and made an immediate impact, leading the 49ers to victory in all five regular-season games he started.

His stellar performance contributed to the team's ten-game winning streak, clinching a division title and securing an NFC Championship Game appearance.

One of those victories, the 24-year-old quarterback faced off against legendary Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, Tom Brady. Purdy's impressive display, completing 76% of his passes and throwing two touchdowns, propelled the 49ers to a commanding 35-7 victory.

In doing so, Purdy became the first rookie quarterback to defeat Brady in his first career start and only the fifth rookie to achieve such a feat in a single season.

Purdy's exceptional talent was further validated by his remarkable quarterback rating of 115 in his first two career starts, a feat previously accomplished only by NFL great Aaron Rodgers in 2008. Moreover, Purdy's consecutive wins marked him as the first 49ers quarterback since Colin Kaepernick in 2012 to achieve such a milestone.

2023-24 NFL Season and Super Bowl LVIII

The 2024 season saw Purdy lead the 49ers to the top seed in the NFC, amassing a commendable 12-5 record and igniting a seven-game winning streak heading into Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

When Purdy takes the field for the championship game, he will make history as the first "Mr. Irrelevant" quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl.

For the San Francisco 49ers, a victory in Super Bowl LVIII would not only solidify Purdy's status as a rising star but also end the franchise's 30-year Super Bowl drought.

As the underdog turned hero, Brock Purdy's remarkable journey from "Mr. Irrelevant" to Super Bowl savior serves as a testament to perseverance, determination, and the enduring spirit of the game.

In the grand stage of Super Bowl LVIII, Brock Purdy has not only defied the odds but has also emerged as a beacon of hope for fans and players alike. As the 49ers prepare to face their ultimate challenge, all eyes will be on Purdy as he seeks to etch his name in NFL history and lead his team to glory.

Cora Rodriguez is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email cir5381@psu.edu.