Career Timeline of Brock Purdy: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Brock Purdy made an impact.

Brock Purdy is an American football quarterback currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. He played college football at Iowa State and was drafted by the 49ers as the very last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, earning him the title of "Mr. Irrelevant."

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1937: First Rookie Since Sammy Baugh

In the Wild Card Round, Purdy became the first rookie quarterback since Sammy Baugh in 1937 to have at least 200 pass yards and two pass scores in a playoff win.

1970: First Rookie Since 1970 to Throw for Over 200 Yards

After the Divisional Round victory, Purdy became the first quarterback since 1970 to throw over 200 yards in consecutive NFL postseason games.

1991: Steve Young's completion record

Three weeks after the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers won by a score of 35–16 with Purdy completing 20-of-21 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown, setting a new 49ers franchise record for highest single-game completion rate of 95.2%. The prior franchise record of 90% had been set by Steve Young in Week 8 of the 1991 season.

1999: Highest Passer Rating Since Kurt Warner

Purdy's passer rating of 119.4 through his first five starts is the highest for a quarterback in his first five starts since Kurt Warner in 1999.

2015: Varsity Football Debut

In 2015, Brock Purdy started his varsity football career as a sophomore for the newly opened Perry High School.

2016: AIA State Championship Appearance

In 2016, Perry High School, led by Purdy, reached the 6A Division AIA State Championship game, but lost to Chandler High School 65–28.

2017: Second AIA State Championship Appearance

In 2017, Purdy again led Perry High School to the 6A Division AIA State Championship game, but lost to Chandler High School 48–42.

2018: Starting Quarterback for Iowa State

In 2018, Brock Purdy began his freshman year as third string, but became the starting quarterback for the Iowa State Cyclones after injuries to Kyle Kempt and Zeb Noland. He started eight games, achieving a 7-2 record and a passer rating of 169.9.

2019: Sophomore Season at Iowa State

In 2019, Purdy started all 13 games of his sophomore season at Iowa State, achieving a 7-6 record and breaking school records. Purdy also led the Big 12 Conference in passing yards with 3,982.

2020: Led Cyclones to a 9-3 Record

In 2020, Brock Purdy led the Iowa State Cyclones to a 9-3 record (tied with the 2000 season for the best record in program history) and a number 9 national ranking.

2021: Senior Year at Iowa State

In 2021, Purdy and Hall again led the Cyclones to a 7–6 record. Purdy also had 356 yards and three touchdowns against Texas Tech, but Iowa State lost in a 41–38 shootout.

2022: Drafted by the 49ers

In 2022, Brock Purdy was selected by the San Francisco 49ers as the final pick in the NFL draft, earning him the title of "Mr. Irrelevant."

2022: Third-String Quarterback

In 2022, Brock Purdy was the third-string quarterback for the 49ers. Kyle Shanahan believed Purdy was the team's best quarterback, but the team continued to invest in Trey Lance as the starter.

2022: Starting Quarterback Due to Injuries

In 2022, Purdy became the 49ers' starting quarterback after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. On December 11, Purdy led the 49ers to a victory over Tom Brady's Buccaneers, becoming the only quarterback in his first career start to beat a team led by Brady.

2022: Selected as Mr. Irrelevant

In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers selected Purdy with the 262nd overall pick in the NFL draft, making him that year's Mr. Irrelevant.

January 12, 2023: NFC Rookie of the Month

On January 12, 2023, Purdy was named the NFC Rookie of the Month for December and January. He finished the regular season with 1,374 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions, winning all five of his starts.

2023: Named Starting Quarterback

After recovering from an injury, Purdy was named the starting quarterback to begin the 2023 season.

2023: Starting Quarterback and Record-Breaking Season

In the 2023 season, Purdy became the 49ers' starting quarterback, leading them to a division title and the Super Bowl LVIII. During 2023, he broke the franchise's single-season passing yards record and earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

January 3, 2024: Shanahan announces Purdy to sit out finale, Purdy selected for Pro Bowl

On January 3, 2024, coach Kyle Shanahan announced that Purdy would not play in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. Later that day, January 3, 2024, the NFL announced that Purdy had been selected as the NFC's starting quarterback for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games.

2024: Purdy finishes 2024 season with statistical regression, successful ground game

Purdy finished the 2024 season with 3,864 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns to 12 interceptions for a 96.1 passer rating. Despite statistical regression, Purdy had his most successful season on the ground, rushing for 323 yards and leading the team with five rushing touchdowns.