Brock Purdy's milestone year: A $265M deal and a new baby for the 49ers QB
He signed a $265 million extension that solidified his spot as the franchise quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers in May and became a father for the first time last week when his wife gave birth to Millie Joleen Purdy.
'I still really can't describe it, just how awesome it is coming home and seeing little baby girl and holding her and her sleeping on me,' Purdy said Friday, a week after his wife Jenna gave birth to his daughter. 'There's nothing better. No gift can compare. And seeing Jenna and how she's been awesome as a mom, just all of it all together. It's so good.'
With his financial future set and his family growing, Purdy can now focus on his performance on the field as he and the 49ers try to get back to their 2023 form when Purdy had one of the most prolific passing seasons in team history when he set a franchise record for yards passing (4,280) and became the first Niners QB in more than two decades to throw at least 30 TD passes (31).
That helped him finish fourth in the NFL in MVP voting and helped the team reach the Super Bowl before losing in overtime to Kansas City.
That success was harder to come by in 2024 as Purdy was hampered by injuries to key offensive players like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk. His passer rating dropped nearly 17 points to 96.1, he had only 20 TD passes and 12 interceptions on the season, and also came up short in several late-game scenarios when the 49ers had a chance for a comeback win.
'Obviously, there's so much stuff that has happened in my life off the field for sure, but to come in the building and keep it simple and play football, I feel like it's really good for me,' he said. 'I come here and I get my mind back on what matters and stepping out on the field and competing and playing the game that I love. Obviously there's a new goal with a new team this year, so there's a chip on all of our shoulders right now so when I come here to work I hone in on what my job is and it feels good. Obviously when I go home it's great seeing my family too.'
Thursdays
Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter.
Purdy has looked like his old self early in camp, even showing off his deep ball when he connected on downfield shots to both Demarcus Robinson and rookie Jordan Watkins in the past week
The Niners attempted only 35 passes thrown at least 30 yards downfield the past two seasons — tied for sixth fewest in that span. But Purdy has been extremely efficient when he has taken the opportunity with his 46.9 completion rate ranking first in NFL in that span.
'I think Brock's always had it,' coach Kyle Shanahan said. 'It's just about recognizing when it's the right look, being able to get your body into it and anticipate it and see it. Deep balls, I think, can be a tough thing when you don't anticipate it, when you don't see it right. I think the more Brock gets used to coverages, the more when to take those shots and when not to is something that's to me where he's improved.'
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
13 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier leaves during Lynx's 53-point blowout win over Aces
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Minnesota Lynx forward and MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier injured her right ankle and left the game during Saturday's 111-58 victory over the Las Vegas Aces. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said it was too soon to assess the severity of her star player's injury. 'She was in the locker room with us, but as protocol, tomorrow or whatever chance we get, we'll continue to evaluate and examine images, all that good stuff,' Reeve said. Trailing the play in which Natisha Hiedeman drove the lane for a lay-up, Collier appeared to step on teammate Alanna Smith's left foot and immediately went down near Las Vegas' bench with the Lynx holding a 92-49 lead late in the third quarter. She attempted to stand, but sat back down on the court, writhing in pain, and was immediately surrounded by Aces starters A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, NaLyssa Smith and Kierstan Bell, who all held towels to shield her from exposure. Collier's teammates, coaches and trainers eventually made their way to the opposite end of the court to tend to the 2025 All-Star MVP. The seventh-year pro left the court on her own and went straight to the locker room, moving slowly and walking gingerly while favoring her right ankle with a Lynx staffer under her arm. Collier did not return. The league-leading Lynx (24-5) are off until Tuesday, when they'll finish their two-game trip in Seattle. The 53-point victory in Las Vegas was the largest road win in WNBA history. Reeve wouldn't speculate if Collier would get an MRI in Las Vegas, travel with the team to Seattle, or return home to Minnesota. 'It's just way too early,' Reeve said. 'At this point in time, I don't know exactly what's happening.' ___ AP WNBA:
Toronto Star
13 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Sterling Sharpe gives fellow Pro Football Hall of Fame brother Shannon his gold jacket
Sterling Sharpe stood at the podium a few feet from his bronze bust, took off his new gold jacket and gave it to his fellow Pro Football Hall of Fame brother. Shannon Sharpe had given Sterling his first Super Bowl ring and now big brother was returning the favor on stage after the crowning moment of his football career.
Winnipeg Free Press
13 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Kayla McBride hits eight 3-pointers, Lynx roll to WNBA-record 53-point road win against Aces
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kayla McBride led a 3-point barrage, making 8 of 10 from beyond the arc, and the Minnesota Lynx set the WNBA record for the biggest road win, beating the Las Vegas Aces 111-58 on Saturday. McBride made all eight of her 3-point attempts in the first half and the Lynx was 13 for 14 as a team, leading to a 67-33 halftime lead. Minnesota's 53-point win broke the league-record for largest margin of victory on the road, a record set in 1998 by the Houston Comets. Minnesota also set a team record with 17 3-pointers in 27 attempts. McBride missed both of her 3-point attempts in the second half, coming up short of the league-record of nine 3-pointers in a game. She finished with 24 points. Jessica Shepard had 18 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season and second in nine days for the league-best Lynx (24-5). MVP candidate Napheesa Collier scored 18 points but left the game late in the third quarter with an ankle injury. Natisha Hiedeman added 17 points. Jewell Loyd had 12 points and reigning league MVP A'ja Wilson scored 10 for the Aces (14-14). The Lynx hit 4 of 5 3-pointers in the first five minutes of the game to build an 18-8 lead. They went on to hit 6 of 7 from deep and led 35-17 heading to the second quarter. During one stretch, Minnesota made nine consecutive 3s and led 67-33 at halftime. They pushed the lead to 92-49 entering the fourth quarter. Up next Aces play at Golden State on Sunday, and Lynx visit Seattle on Tuesday. ___ AP WNBA:
