Since being selected as Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 NFL Draft, quarterback Brock Purdy has exceeded all expectations. After winning the San Francisco 49ers‘ starting job over Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance, he has emerged as one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL and led the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime.
Fans watching Purdy may have wondered what he’s always wearing on his arm. Is it a play sheet, a brace, or something else altogether? Let’s break it down.
What Does Brock Purdy Wear On His Arm?
Many quarterbacks wear a play sheet on their wrist, so it’s easier to relay the play to their teammates in the huddle. However, Purdy is a bit different, as he wears something else on his arm.
As a rookie, Purdy led the 49ers on a deep playoff run, culminating in a trip to the NFC Championship Game. However, he suffered a torn UCL in his right elbow after being sacked by Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Haason Reddick.
Brock Purdy injured his wrist on this play and didn’t return for the 49ers next drive pic.twitter.com/Vb5ZM9kb68
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 29, 2023
Following his injury, Purdy underwent surgery to repair his elbow. During his recovery, he began wearing a brace and a black sleeve. According to Dr. Nirav Pandya, an orthopedic surgeon from UCSF, it appears to be a heating/compression device intended to keep the arm warm and relieve muscle tightness.
“As it’s gotten colder, I use it to keep my arm warm,” Purdy explained. “It’s nothing in terms of the arm hurting or anything like that. It’s basically like a heat pack.”
However, following the surgery, Purdy wore a large elbow brace. The brace was designed to allow movement to ensure his arm retains mobility post-surgery. A normal person would have just been in a cast, but Purdy opted for the brace. Additionally, Purdy’s surgery involved putting in an Arthrex UCL InternalBrace.
“The procedure involves drilling a bone socket, placing anchors, and stitching the ligament. The InternalBrace is designed to augment the primary repair by increasing the tissue area that approximates during healing,” according to Arthrex. The InternalBrace procedure can allow for a more aggressive rehabilitation protocol and an earlier return to competition than a conventional Tommy John reconstruction.
“One study found that athletes who underwent UCL internal bracing returned to play on average seven months after surgery, which is about five months shorter than the average return to play time for UCLR.”
Purdy made a full recovery and was outstanding during the 2023 season. He passed for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while also rushing for 144 yards and two scores. After the season, Purdy finished fourth in NFL MVP voting.
In addition to the compression/heating device, Purdy occasionally wears a play sheet and wristbands. Quarterbacks have used play sheets for decades.
While Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre is often credited with popularizing them, they date back all the way to 1965, when Baltimore Colts running back Tom Matte wore one when he was forced to start at quarterback due to injuries.