SANTA CLARA, California – Before Saturday, Iowa State Tornado midfielder Brock Purdy thought of a range of potential outcomes for his footballing future. In the days leading up to the NFL draft, he was told he could either be enlisted as early as round four or not be improved at all.
Turns out, Purdy was chosen. Just enough.
With the final pick in this year’s draft, number 262 overall, San Francisco 49ers Purdy chose. It was a choice that came with the title of “Mr. Irrelevant” and included a week of activities in southern California.
In the moments after his selection, Purdy did not hesitate to embrace his new title but also made it clear that he intends to forge a more important, permanent position as a midfielder. NFL.
“I think it’s a funny thing,” Purdy said. “If you’re a fan, or even my family, friends and everything, it’s funny to laugh about it and joke around with it. For me, I’m seeing it as an opportunity. I got my foot in the door, a team believed in me and now I have the chance to go out and play. That’s what I want in my career. That’s what I want my job to be. an NFL quarterback and now I have the opportunity to do so. That’s how I’m looking at it.
“From the outside looking in, I guess it’s a funny thing and I’m definitely going to embrace the role and have fun with it, but at the end of the day I’m going to try to help a team win the Super Bowl. That’s where it comes from. I’m always thinking about it.”
Purdy was worried he might land in San Francisco after Zoom’s meeting with Niners coach Brian Griese about a month ago. That interest was further forged when coach Kyle Shanahan asked Griese and assistant full-back Klay Kubiak to come up with a list of names they would like in the position.
“He was a guy that we soon labeled as the #1 free agent that we were going to go after,” said Shanahan. “He played a lot of football. He played the game in the right way. He was extremely tough, put the ball in the right position and played very well in the box and was a man we thought could be. Come in here and help us. Fill out this list and give yourself a chance to be on the team.”
Purdy started four years for the Cyclones, finishing his career with 12,170 yards of passes, 81 touchdowns and 33 interceptions in 46 starts. He also dashed to 1,177 yards and 19 points.
At the end of June, Purdy will have the opportunity to participate in “Irrelevant Week” in Newport Beach, California, an annual event that has previously hosted parties and surf lessons.
Before that, he’ll have a chance to start making his mark with the Niners, perhaps a prospect that grows after Trey Lance and Nate Sudfeld as San Francisco continues its search for a new home for veteran Jimmy Garoppolo.
“He’s related to us,” said general manager John Lynch.
