No quarterback has burst onto the scene in a more unlikely fashion than the San Francisco 49ers‘ Brock Purdy. He was the very last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft as “Mr. Irrelevant.” So far, he’s exceeded every single expectation in the NFL and then some. Now, Purdy will be attempting to do something only one other Mr. Irrelevant has done before, win the Super Bowl.
“My mom and dad definitely gave me some great advice in the offseason,” Brock said in an August 2023 episode of the team’s “Brick by Brick” video series. “Obviously, just being in the moment, being present, not getting too caught up in what’s going to happen in life, your career, coming off an injury, all [that] kind of stuff, but just being present with where you’re at.”
Looking at how important family is for Purdy, let’s take a closer look at who Purdy has in his inner circle.
Who Is Brock Purdy’s Father, Shawn Purdy?
Purdy’s dad, Shawn Purdy, was the first athlete in the family when he played baseball at the University of Miami (FL) and then in the minor leagues of the MLB when he was drafted in the 16th round by the Angels. He played in the minors for eight seasons (1991-1998) and then retired at 29.
Brock and Shawn shared a passion for baseball when the QB was younger, but ultimately decided to chase football as his top sport.
“He played baseball, and he was a really good baseball player,” Shawn Purdy said on 95.7 The Game. “He was a shortstop and a pitcher, and he loved it. But, he just had a passion for football.”
Brock says that it was thanks to Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators that he leaned more toward football.
“I would sit on our coffee table at home and just watch and be so fascinated with the hype of the game and the environment,” Purdy said on the 49ers’ You’ve Got Mail podcast. “I wanted to play in an environment like that. Watching the Gators when I was young, it definitely got me going on the football trend.”
Earlier this season, in a scene set up by Amazon, Thursday Night Football analyst and ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick sat down with Purdy. He then gave him an iPad — a special guest appeared behind the camera in Hall of Famer Dan Marino.
Purdy explained how he wore the No. 13 because of the Miami Dolphins’ legendary quarterback. “Congratulations on a couple of good starts,” Marino begins the conversation.
Turns out Purdy wasn’t the only one from his family tree who idolized the nine-time Pro Bowler. “My dad, I mean, he loved you growing up. I wear 13 and everything because of you, man, so appreciate it.”
Turns out Shawn Purdy is a huge fan of Dan Marino, and because of that, his son now wears the number 13.
Who Is Carrie Purdy?
Carrie Purdy has gained national and even worldwide attention thanks to her getting emotional in the stands when Purdy made his first start. She’s also been married to Shawn Purdy for 29 years and counting.
We Love You BP! Let’s Go Niners! So Stinkin Proud of You! Xoxo,
Mom & Crew!!❤️🥰🏈🎉 pic.twitter.com/wsfOkRAk5r— Carrie Purdy (@bigbirdpurdy) December 11, 2022
It’s very clear that the bond in this family is extremely strong, with Carrie and Shawn regularly being seen at 49ers games offering support for Purdy.
Brock has often credited his mother for being the most important woman in his life. “My mom … she’s always going to keep everyone on our toes. She brings the energy to the family, so I think I definitely get that kind of trait from her,” he said.
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“When you have kids, you always ask them what they want to be when they grow up,” Purdy’s mother, Carrie, said on the Sports Spectrum podcast.
“You know, pharmacist, doctor, or whatever. At five years old, I asked Brock ‘what are you going to be?’ It was football player. In junior high, ‘Brock, you got a backup plan?’ And it was, ‘I’m gonna be a football player, mom.’ In college, Brock said, ‘I’m going to school for business, but I’m going to be a football player.’
Does Purdy Have Siblings?
Purdy has two siblings: an older sister, Whittney, and a younger brother, Chubba. Whittney played softball at Southeastern University, and Chubba is the backup quarterback at the University of Nebraska. Purdy’s siblings are all accomplished high school athletes as well where they excelled at Queen Creek in Arizona at Perry High School.
Chubba sat for his first two seasons at Perry behind Brock but took over once his older brother went off to Iowa State. The Perry signal-caller found immediate success, combining for 4,500 total yards of offense and 59 touchdowns. Chubba led Perry back to the 6A title game, where they again lost to Chandler High School.