Not too long ago, Brock Purdy was rated lower than a wealth manager, a former payroll specialist, and a tractor company employee. Today, he’s a star quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, preparing to play on football’s biggest stage.
An Unexpected Rise
Purdy’s journey from being the last pick in the NFL Draft to a Super Bowl quarterback has surprised many. Despite being overlooked in high school and college, Purdy believes this path has been beneficial.
“I’ve always been overlooked, but all I needed was a chance,” Purdy said. He credits his coach at Iowa State for giving him that initial opportunity, which led to his success with the 49ers.
Overlooked Talent
When Purdy graduated from Perry High School in Arizona in 2018, he was ranked the 39th best pocket passer by ESPN. He wasn’t heavily recruited and ended up at Iowa State, a modest program in the Big 12 Conference.
Of the 38 quarterbacks ranked ahead of Purdy, only three were in the NFL in 2023: Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars), Tanner McKee (Philadelphia Eagles), and Will Levis (Tennessee Titans).
Read more: Brock Purdy Stats
Diverse Paths
The other quarterbacks from Purdy’s high school class have taken various paths. Some are still in college, while others have moved on to careers outside football. For example:
- Brevin White: Turned down Alabama for Princeton, now a wealth manager.
- Swift Lyle: Works in marketing for Thompson Tractor Company after attending Georgia State and Alabama.
- Jack West: Former Stanford quarterback preparing for law school.
- Allan Walters: Works in personal training after playing at multiple colleges.
- Gunnar Holmberg: Works in ticket sales for the San Jose Sharks.
- Matthew Baldwin: Works at a chemical research company after injuries ended his football career.
Regrets and Reflections
“It’s great to see everyone doing well in their own paths,” said Kevin Doyle, who now plays football in Europe. He emphasizes the importance of seeing oneself beyond just being a football player.
Looking Ahead
Brock Purdy’s story is a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunities. His journey inspires many, showing that being overlooked can sometimes lead to the greatest success. As Purdy prepares for the Super Bowl, he has the support and admiration of those who once shared his path.
Many of these former quarterbacks have no regrets about their decisions. They’ve found success and fulfillment in other fields and support Purdy’s achievements.