When the Daily Citizen spotlight last fell on San Francisco 49er quarterback Brock Purdy in January, the previous third stringer was on an improbable Cinderella-like run through the NFL Playoffs. At the time, he was preparing his team to square off against the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s NFL Championship game.
“Every time I play — no matter what happens — I want others to see God through my actions,” Purdy said. “Every time I step on the field, I want to bring Him glory. Even when we lose, I point to God and thank Him for the opportunity. Everything happens for a reason; it’s all a lesson from the Lord. It’s a game, it’s not my life.”
As it would turn out, the former Iowa State star was injured in the first quarter of the game, suffering an elbow injury that sidelined him for the duration of the matchup. The Eagles easily beat the underdog ‘Niners 31-7.
Speaking on the Sports Spectrum podcast following the disappointing end to the season, Purdy reflected on his priorities and current perspective:
“When all the success and everything did start happening, I wasn’t going to change,” he said. “It was just, continue to be myself, love on my teammates, be the same leader that I had been all year, keep my eyes on God and nothing more than that.”
Specifically, Purdy said he had been mediating throughout the season on Jesus’ declaration that “whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35).
Brock Purdy’s offseason also saw him propose to his girlfriend, Jenna Brandt.
Sharing a picture of himself on bended knee proposing, Brock wrote on social media:
“My Jenna girl forever. I can’t wait to be your husband and grow together in Christ.”
Jenna responded:
“WE GET TO DO LIFE TOGETHER…FOREVER!”
“Brock Purdy – I love everything about you & your heart for Jesus more than any words can say.”
Given his ailing elbow and abrupt departure from the league championship game, nobody knew if Purdy would be back, whether as a starter or even with another team. But after a strong performance in training camp this summer, the young quarterback returned to the lineup. He’s now led his team to a dominating 5-0 start, meaning that the last player drafted (otherwise known as “Mr. Irrelevant”) has now strung together ten straight regular season wins dating back to last season.
Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal noted that Purdy may very well be the league’s most valuable player – whose also its lowest paid. While some league quarterbacks like Joe Burrow are bringing in $55 million a year, Purdy is getting paid $930,000 a year.
“What’s more is that the Niners couldn’t pay Purdy more even if they wanted to,” the Journal explains. “Clubs are prohibited from renegotiating or extending rookie contracts until after a player’s third season. So Purdy will continue to be absurdly cheap for all of this season—and next year, too.”
Does he mind?
“If you’re trying to chase status and money and all this kind of stuff, you’ll lose your life, rather than denying yourself, picking up your cross, keeping your eyes on Jesus and His promises,” Purdy told the Sports Spectrum. “That’s a life worth living, and that’s how you save your life.”
Photo from Getty.
