Brock Purdy's rise from "Mr. Irrelevant," the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, to a star quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers is nothing short of remarkable. You'll see how he transitioned from third-string to starter, leading his team to a 5-0 record in his rookie season. At Iowa State, Purdy dazzled with impressive stats, amassing over 12,000 passing yards and 81 touchdowns. His training focused on refining his mechanics and building chemistry with teammates. Purdy's journey proves that talent can shine through any draft position, and there's so much more to explore about his inspiring story.
Key Takeaways
- Brock Purdy, nicknamed "Mr. Irrelevant," was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, starting as a third-string quarterback for the 49ers.
- He led the San Francisco 49ers to a perfect 5-0 record during his rookie season, showcasing remarkable talent.
- Purdy achieved a passer rating of 113.0 and threw 31 touchdown passes in 2023, earning a Pro Bowl selection.
- During his college career at Iowa State, he threw for 12,170 yards and 81 touchdowns, becoming one of the school's all-time greats.
- His journey from "Mr. Irrelevant" to NFL star exemplifies how talent can emerge from any draft position, defying initial skepticism.
Introduction

In recent years, Brock Purdy has emerged as a remarkable story in the NFL. Born in Queen Creek, Arizona, he became the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, earning the nickname "Mr. Irrelevant." This label typically signifies a player who won't make a significant impact, but Purdy shattered that stereotype during his rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers. Transitioning from a third-string quarterback to a starter due to injuries, he led the team to an impressive 5-0 record, showcasing his talent and poise under pressure.
Purdy's standout performance at Iowa State University set the stage for his journey to the NFL. He not only set numerous records but also guided his team to four consecutive bowl games, proving he could compete at a high level. Fast forward to the 2023 season, and Purdy's accomplishments continue to astound. He led the NFL in passer rating, boasting an impressive 113.0, and threw 31 touchdown passes, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl. With each game, Brock Purdy redefined what it means to be "Mr. Irrelevant," emerging as a potential franchise quarterback who challenges conventional expectations.
Purdy's Iowa State Upbringing

Brock Purdy's journey at Iowa State University began in 2018 when he enrolled as a communications studies major and quickly took the reins as the starting quarterback. Stepping into the spotlight after injuries sidelined teammates, Purdy showcased his potential by throwing for 2,250 passing yards and 16 touchdowns during his freshman season. His impressive performance set the stage for a remarkable college career.
In 2019, Purdy truly shined, setting single-season records by leading the Big 12 with 3,982 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. This achievement solidified his reputation as a standout quarterback. By 2020, he guided the Cyclones to a solid 9-3 record, culminating in a Fiesta Bowl victory. Purdy made history as the first Iowa State quarterback to lead the team to four consecutive bowl games.
Iowa State Football Standout

As a standout quarterback for Iowa State University, Purdy transformed the football program with his remarkable skills and leadership. He became the starting quarterback during his freshman year, finishing with 2,250 passing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2018. His sophomore season saw him set single-season records for ISU with 3,982 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, guiding the team to a 7-5 record.
In 2020, Purdy led Iowa State to a historic 9-3 record and a victory in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon, a milestone that showcased his talent on a national stage. Over his college career, he amassed an impressive total of 12,170 passing yards and 81 touchdown passes, coupled with a remarkable 67.7% completion percentage.
Purdy's achievements didn't go unnoticed; he earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors twice and was instrumental in leading ISU to four consecutive bowl games—a first for the school since 1923-1927. His performance solidified his status as one of Iowa State's all-time great quarterbacks, leaving a legacy that would inspire future athletes.
Purdy's Unique Draft Journey

Entering the NFL Draft with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, Brock Purdy became the 262nd overall pick in 2022, earning the infamous title of "Mr. Irrelevant." After a standout college career at Iowa State, where he set multiple records, including the most wins by a quarterback, Purdy faced skepticism around his ability to succeed at the professional level. Viewed as a late-round draft pick and a fourth-choice quarterback, he defied expectations when injuries struck the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterbacks.
During his rookie season, Purdy stepped up to the challenge, leading the 49ers to a remarkable 5-0 record as a starter. His performance showcased his knack for thriving under pressure, dramatically shifting perceptions of late-round draft picks. No longer just a novelty, his success as "Mr. Irrelevant" has redefined the narrative surrounding players drafted at the end of the NFL draft.
Brock Purdy's journey from an overlooked college athlete to a starting quarterback exemplifies the idea that talent can emerge from any draft position, challenging the stereotypes that often accompany late-round selections.
Training Regimen Insights

A rigorous training regimen is key to Brock Purdy's success as a quarterback. He emphasizes a strong work ethic, dedicating time to improve his throwing mechanics and decision-making skills. During training camp, Purdy integrates strength and conditioning workouts to enhance his physical durability, which is crucial for performing at a high level in the NFL.
Purdy often engages in throwing sessions with offensive players, like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, to build team chemistry and timing on the field. This collaboration fosters a deeper understanding among teammates, which is vital during game situations. To sharpen his mental acuity, he studies game film extensively, analyzing defenses to improve his pre-snap reads. This practice has been instrumental in his development as a starting quarterback.
In the off-season, Purdy participates in quarterback camps and private coaching sessions, allowing him to refine his skills and adapt to evolving NFL strategies. By focusing on these aspects of his training regimen, you can see how he continues to elevate his game, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable success in the league.
Conclusion

In summary, Brock Purdy's journey from being the last pick in the NFL Draft to a standout quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers highlights the power of perseverance and hard work. Drafted as Mr. Irrelevant (262nd overall), you've witnessed Purdy's transformation into a formidable NFL quarterback. His rookie season was nothing short of remarkable, with a 5-0 record, 1,374 passing yards, and 13 passing touchdowns, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
In the 2023 season, he led the league in passer rating (113.0) and passing touchdowns (31), earning a Pro Bowl selection and securing his status among the top quarterbacks in the game. Purdy's leadership shone bright in the NFC Championship game, where he guided the 49ers to a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Detroit Lions. Although the San Francisco 49ers faced a narrow loss in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs, Purdy's rapid rise has redefined expectations for late-round draft picks.
Brock Purdy's story is a testament to ambition and skill, inspiring countless athletes to chase their dreams, regardless of their draft status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Did Brock Purdy Become Mr. Irrelevant?
You'll find that Brock Purdy became Mr. Irrelevant due to being the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite his talent, teams overlooked him, leading to his surprising journey to the NFL.
Is Brock Purdy a Millionaire?
Yes, you could say Brock Purdy's a millionaire. His NFL contract and endorsements have boosted his net worth to around $1 million, and it's likely to grow significantly as his career progresses.
How Much Is Brock Purdy Getting Paid?
Brock Purdy's currently on a four-year rookie contract worth about $3.7 million, averaging around $925,000 annually. His signing bonus is roughly $77,000, reflecting the typical earnings for late-round NFL draft picks like him.
Did Brock Purdy Get a Degree?
You're curious if Brock Purdy got a degree. While he studied communications at Iowa State, specific details about his graduation status aren't publicly available. As of now, it's unclear if he completed his degree.