Earning the title of a “49ers legend” is a formidable achievement given the esteemed history of the NFL franchise, yet Brock Purdy is currently on course to attain that status.
In August, Kyle Shanahan confidently declared that Brock Purdy is the “real deal” and designated him as the 49ers’ starting quarterback for 2023. Shanahan’s assertion has proven true, dispelling any uncertainties about Purdy’s quarterbacking abilities. Unlike previous quarterbacks in Shanahan’s system, Purdy isn’t merely a product of the system or reliant on the talent around him. While the support contributes to his high-level play, Purdy’s individual skill set stands out.
Consider Patrick Mahomes with the Chiefs this season; he would likely appreciate having more than one or two skillful players beyond Travis Kelce. In contrast, Purdy is maximizing the 49ers’ offense, placing him in the MVP conversation and making him a leading contender for the award. Purdy’s impressive statistics and on-field performance contribute to the team’s strong Super Bowl prospects. All signs indicate that he is on track to have a remarkable season worthy of the record books.
Purdy is on a trajectory that could establish him as a 49ers legend. The fact that he, initially a borderline undrafted free agent, has achieved such success is remarkable. His potential accolades, especially if he secures the MVP, contribute to a legitimate storybook career. The likelihood of winning the MVP appears to be increasing, especially if the 49ers secure the No. 1 seed. While this achievement alone is significant, it is just one element in the journey toward being regarded as a franchise legend.
For Purdy to solidify his status as a 49ers legend, he must lead the team to a Super Bowl victory. The combination of an MVP award and a Super Bowl triumph would eternally immortalize him, even if his performance experiences a decline in the later stages of his career. From his takeover in 2022 against the Dolphins to that pivotal Super Bowl win, his journey would be seen as a special and glorified run. While the 49ers boast many legends, Purdy’s unique story would undoubtedly earn him a place among them.
Being the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft and then transforming into an MVP and Super Bowl winner would undoubtedly be one of the greatest stories in NFL history. While Purdy may not be setting astronomical records, his journey is already defying the odds. His underdog narrative adds a compelling and endearing layer to sports, drawing people toward him. The uniqueness of his story, particularly given his draft status, may explain lingering skepticism, as what he is achieving is unprecedented.
What we’re witnessing with Purdy is truly an outlier, a phenomenon that, if he achieves both feats, should be immortalized in 49ers history. The argument could even be made that the MVP is not essential; a Super Bowl victory alone might suffice to earn him the title of “49ers legend.” Such a triumph would carry more weight than the MVP award. Fortunately, Purdy is on a path that could lead to both accomplishments, positioning him as a potential legend.
While there’s still a journey ahead, and circumstances can change, the current trajectory of Purdy and the 49ers suggests that these aspirations might not be far-fetched.