In the 2024 NFL season, former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold delivered a career-best performance, leading the Vikings to a strong 14-3 record while accumulating 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 66.2% completion rate. His remarkable efforts earned him a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Darnold publicly acknowledged that much of his growth and success stemmed from lessons learned during his time alongside San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

In a detailed interview with NBC Bay Area, Darnold emphasized how Purdy’s approach to preparation and field awareness significantly shaped his own game.

“Brock helped me a ton…With certain things of how to prepare and even just watching him play. Just how he processes on the field and all those certain things.” —Sam Darnold, QB

Darnold Highlights Purdy’s Composure and Team Spirit on the Field

Beyond skills and strategy, Darnold admired Purdy’s calm demeanor, especially his ability to maintain consistent poise regardless of good or bad plays. He noticed how Purdy celebrated enthusiastically with teammates after each play but quickly regained focus for what was next.

“First of all, I think his poise,” Darnold said of Purdy. “Whether he made a good play, a bad play, you celebrate on the field with your teammates, you get pumped, but then you come right back to the sideline and you have the same demeanor. That was something I always admired about Brock.” —Sam Darnold, QB

Darnold also praised Purdy’s detailed preparation habits, recognizing how his study routines and work ethic influenced his own approach to mastering the game.

“And then the other thing. Is how he prepared. I say this all the time, but I give Brock a ton of credit in showing me the ropes that way. He showed me so much in how to prepare and how to study. He was so helpful that way.” —Sam Darnold, QB

Coach Kyle Shanahan Supports Purdy’s Record Contract and Leadership Role

Last month, Brock Purdy secured a five-year contract extension worth $265 million, including $181 million guaranteed, thus becoming the seventh highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. Despite some skepticism about the size of the deal, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed strong support for Purdy’s role as team leader and affirmed his belief in Purdy’s continued growth.

“I want him to be the leader he’s always been… There’s no worse thing to do than ask people to do something extra just because of their contract. That’s when you start making stuff up. Brock’s earned his contract, and he’s going to earn what he gets going forward,” Shanahan said. —Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach

With backing from Shanahan and high praise from experienced quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Purdy enters the upcoming season positioned to guide the 49ers to new heights.