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.
Now that he’s in the limelight, there’s a lot more interest in his personal life, including many people wondering about his family and upbringing. Let’s get to know Purdy’s father, Shawn Purdy.
Meet Brock Purdy’s Father Shawn
Brock’s journey to NFL stardom has been incredibly impressive, but he wouldn’t be here today without his father, Shawn.
Shawn wasn’t a stud on the football field, but he does have an incredible arm. The elder Purdy was a relief pitcher who played professionally. After pitching for the Miami Hurricanes in college, he was picked three times in the MLB Draft in 1987, 1989, 1990, and 1991. Purdy eventually signed with the Angels in 1991, and he played in the minor leagues for eight seasons. He ultimately retired in 1998 at 29 years old.
While he never played football at a high level, Shawn was a great athlete and he does have a strong football acumen. He was a huge fan of Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino, who is also Brock’s favorite player (and the reason he wears No. 13). Brock got to have a heartwarming FaceTime with his hero, and he mentioned that his father was a big fan.
“It’s an honor, man. My dad, I mean, he loved you growing up. I wear 13 and everything because of you, man, so I appreciate it,” Purdy told Marino.
Marino had the perfect response: “I appreciate that. Tell your dad he’s a smart guy.”
Brock Purdy, meet Dan Marino. Courtesy of our guy Fitz. pic.twitter.com/DWhT8Gm17Z
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 22, 2023
“I think the day I was born, December 27, 1999, you guys were playing the Jets, and my dad always said I got to see you play on the day I was born.”
Marino joked that he probably had at least three touchdowns that day, and it turns out he was right! He threw for 322 yards, three TDs, and three picks in a 38-31 losing effort.
Shawn’s fandom of Marino was passed down to his son. As a rookie, Purdy matched his hero by becoming the only quarterback with at least two touchdowns and a passer rating over 100 in his first career start.
“It’s pretty cool,” Purdy said afterward. “I’m not big on stats and all that kind of stuff, but when it’s Dan Marino, man, that’s pretty cool. My dad grew up a Miami Dolphins fan and we were all Dolphins fans growing up, and I wear 13 because of Dan Marino.
“To have that kind of stat, it’s pretty cool to take a step back and be thankful and grateful for where you’re at.”
#49ers QB Brock Purdy says he wears the #13 because of Dan Marino, his favorite player growing up.
This weekend he became the only QB with at least 2 TDs and a passer rating of over 100 in their first career starts since Dan Marino 🤯 pic.twitter.com/QHGv5QPthI
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) December 29, 2022
Purdy had Marino’s poster on his wall since he was 5 years old, plus he had a football that was autographed by the Dolphins legend.
The young quarterback recalls constantly watching Marino highlights and trying to throw the ball like the NFL legend throughout his childhood.
Brock Is the Apple of His Father’s Eye
The former Los Angeles Angel is a devoted husband and father. He’s been married to his wife Carrie for many years and the couple have three children: Whittney, Chubba (Preston), and Brock.
The Purdys are incredibly proud of their oldest son and the fact that he turned his NFL dream into reality.
MORE: Who Are Brock Purdy’s Siblings? Get To Know Whittney and Chubba Purdy
The family was planning to attend the 49ers’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 11, 2022. They had been planning this trip for a while because they wanted to watch Tom Brady play in-person, and it just so happened to be Purdy’s first NFL start.
Brock Purdy’s family has not traveled to many 49ers games this season, but it made plans to travel to this one today well in advance because of…Tom Brady. Now it will get to see Brady – and Brock make his first NFL start vs. the QB they planned to travel to see.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2022
Purdy made his family proud, completing 16-of-21 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions while also rushing for a TD.
He actually outperformed Brady, who went 34-of-55 for 253 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Purdy’s QB rating was 134 compared to 63.7 for Brady.
In a really wholesome moment, Shawn couldn’t hold back his emotions after Brock threw his first touchdown pass of the day.
Brock Purdy's dad was emotional after that last TD 🙌
📺: #TBvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Y8d9nuZcHK pic.twitter.com/PNqAqB8T5O— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2022
Talking to reporters about his family and that moment after the game, Purdy was also visibly emotional.
“I saw him right after the game and the emotions on the face and just the way they looked down at me from up on the railing, it just means a lot,” Brock said. “Just throughout my whole life, the ups and downs of playing quarterback in general, high school, and college, the people at home just believe in you, they see the best in you.
“They have always been telling me, ‘You are good enough,’ and, ‘We know you can do it.’ To see them after that performance meant a lot to me, so [I’m] very blessed to have them as my family.”