San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has stepped into significant expectations, especially given the franchise’s legendary history in the Bay Area. Joe Montana, the 49ers icon who led the team to four Super Bowl titles between 1979 and 1992, recently shared his perspective on Purdy’s five-year, $265 million contract extension with the team. Montana’s insights highlight both Purdy’s steady development and the challenges he has faced during his career.
In an interview with Cam Inman of the Mercury News, Montana commented on Purdy’s approach:
“Usually, you see in the second year — which he didn’t really do much — is try so much to be better and, ‘Oh, I can do this now.’ You see a lot of that from the first-year wonders, and you think, what are they going to do next year, and they think they can do everything. He played within himself and did what he’s supposed to.”
—Joe Montana, 49ers Legend
Assessing Purdy’s Achievements and Challenges to Date
Although Brock Purdy’s career trajectory still has miles to go before reaching Montana’s legendary status, the quarterback has delivered notable accomplishments early in his journey. The Iowa State product, often referred to as “Mr. Irrelevant” due to his draft position, has started three seasons with the 49ers, earning two NFC Championship Game appearances and compiling a 23-13 record in regular-season play.
Purdy’s statistics include a 67.5% completion rate, 9,518 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions, demonstrating a solid foundation for a young quarterback. Despite these positive signs, Purdy’s postseason experience includes a Super Bowl appearance, which ended in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 season, followed by a disappointing subsequent season for the team.
Montana defended Purdy’s progress, emphasizing consistency despite adversity:
“It’s not like he hasn’t done the job,”
“He’s been fairly consistent. He had a lot of injuries. Those are all the tough to deal with.”
—Joe Montana, 49ers Legend
Joe Montana’s Insight Into Injuries and Career Setbacks
Montana’s career was marked by its own share of setbacks related to injuries and fluctuating team success, giving him an informed viewpoint regarding Purdy’s challenges. Early in Montana’s NFL tenure, he faced losing records during his initial seasons, including a 2-5 start as a starter in 1980. However, he was also capable of remarkable moments, such as a fourth-quarter comeback against the New Orleans Saints that year.
Montana’s legacy was cemented with the 49ers’ first Super Bowl victory in 1981, highlighted by the iconic NFC Championship play known as The Catch against the Dallas Cowboys. Still, the following years included struggles, including a strike-shortened season in 1982 where he started 3-6, and injuries beginning in 1986 that sidelined him for significant time. An elbow injury later, coupled with the emergence of Steve Young, ultimately ended Montana’s tenure with the team after 1992.
Similarly, Purdy battled an elbow injury near the end of his rookie season but bounced back with a strong MVP-level campaign in the 2023 season. Although the 49ers faced setbacks in 2024, there remains optimism about Purdy’s ability to lead the offense effectively over the next five years and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Purdy and the 49ers Prepare for a Rebound
As the 49ers approach the upcoming training camp within weeks, focus turns to how Brock Purdy and the team will recover following a below-expectation 2024 season. Montana’s endorsement underlines the belief in Purdy’s talent and resilience, noting that injuries have played a significant role in the quarterback’s career fluctuations.
For the San Francisco franchise, maintaining consistency at the quarterback position remains crucial for returning to championship contention. Purdy’s contract extension and Montana’s support indicate that the 49ers view him as a cornerstone of their future offensive plans and a key figure as they strive to build on their strong postseason appearances in recent years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Brock Purdy’s salary?
A. Purdy now earns $53 million each year, which is an increase of over $52 million compared to his rookie deal. His first contract, signed as the final choice in the 2022 NFL Draft, was $3.7 million over four years. However, this isn’t the highest pay in the NFL. Seven other quarterbacks receive larger yearly paychecks.
Q. What happened with Brock Purdy and Taylor Swift?
A. The celebrity, age 35, was not talking about any issues with Niner’s player Purdy. She was just mentioning the stress of watching last February’s Super Bowl. During that game, the Kansas City Chiefs and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, won the Lombardi trophy for the third time by defeating the 49ers.
Q. What is the salary for Brock Purdy?
A. Purdy now makes $53 million a year, which is over $52 million more annually than his four-year, $3.7 million rookie deal. He signed this first contract as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Q. Did Taylor Swift write a song about Brock Purdy?
A. In the song, Brock Purdy is mentioned because a child at the hospital brought it up during her visit. Taylor Swift said she doesn’t dislike Purdy, but he caused her stress in February. She was talking about the events of the Superbowl.