SANTA CLARA (Calif.) — Saturday before Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock PurdyHe had many possible outcomes in mind for his future football career. He was told that he could be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft or drafted later.
Purdy was chosen, as it turned out. Barely.
This year’s final draft pick, No. 262 overall, it is the San Francisco 49ersPurdy has been selected. This choice comes with the title “Mr. Irrelevant” and includes a week’s activities in southern California.
Purdy did not hesitate to accept his new title in the moments following his selection. However, he also indicated that he is determined to take a more prominent, longer-lasting, and more important role as an NFL quarterback.
Purdy stated, “I think it is a funny thing.” It’s fun to have a good time and laugh about it, even if you’re a fan. I see it as an opportunity. I was able to get my foot in the door. A team believed in me, and now I have the opportunity to play football. This is what I want to do with my career. It’s my dream job to be an NFL quarterback, and I now have the chance to do it. That’s the way I view it.
“From the outside, I see it as a funny role. I will embrace it and have some fun with the job, but at the end, I’m trying help a team win Super Bowl. That’s my mentality.
Purdy felt a niggling feeling that he might land in San Francisco, after meeting with Brian Griese on Zoom. This was about a month ago. This interest was ignited when Kyle Shanahan asked Griese, assistant quarterbacks coach Klay Kubicak to compile a list of names they liked for the position.
“He was a guy that we had already tagged as our No. Shanahan explained that we had one free agent and we would go after him. The guy has played a lot. He is a good player. He is extremely tough, gets to the ball in the right places and plays well in the pocket. We believe he can help us fill this roster and give himself a chance at making the team.
Purdy was the Cyclones’ four-year starting quarterback. His career ended with 12,170 passing yards and 81 touchdowns. 33 interceptions were also recorded in 46 starts. Purdy also ran for 1,177 yards, and 19 touchdowns.
Purdy will be able to participate in “Irrelevant week”, an annual event in Newport Beach that offers surfing lessons and a banquet in June.
Prior to that, he will have the chance to start making his mark with the Niners, presumably behind Trey Lance, Nate Sudfeld, and as San Francisco continues its search for a new home, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo.
General manager John Lynch stated, “He’s relevant for us.”