Santa Clara— After the 49ers chose Brock Purdy with the last choice of the 2022 NFL Draft, the quarterback didn't know what his head coach felt.
Jed York, 49ers CEO and owner, said Thursday that Kyle Shanahan thought Purdy may be the team's best quarterback early in the 2022 preseason.
Honestly I didn't know, ever," Purdy laughed. "When I first got here I was obviously just trying to learn the playbook and compete every day on the field as hard as I could.
Shaan worked with presumed starter Trey Lance, who had recovered from foot and finger problems. In addition to Jimmy Garoppolo, the team signed experienced Nate Sudfeld as the third quarterback for one year.
I was going through the preseason games, he wasn't really saying much," said Purdy. He was plainly attempting to grow Trey as much as possible. We supported and helped Trey." After final cuts at the conclusion of the preseason, Brock Purdy took third over Sudfeld, surprising everyone outside the building with his $2.2 million deal.
When the season started and I made the squad, I was like, 'Oh ok.' "He respects my play and management," Purdy added. "That was really about it." Instead of asking his head coach for praise, Purdy focused on doing his best on and off the field. He was ready when his number was called.
"I got my opportunity against Miami, and we sort of talked after that," said Purdy. "He started saying, 'Hey, while you've been here, you've been doing everything correctly' and such. Basically, that was it."
The young quarterback doesn't seek praise from his head coach and prefers honesty to improve his game. At least he knows Shanahan has always believed.
STAY TURNED FOR DEVELOPMENT