When you’re a kid, you tend to have idols in your life, whether it is a family member or someone of stature. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is no different when it comes to this as well.
Many who play the game of football get attached to a number, maybe it is lucky or has sentimental value. The number a player chooses is oftentimes due to a personal reason. Purdy and the number 13 has a long history, and it starts with his father and an NFL legend.
Let’s take a closer look at why the 49ers quarterback has chosen to wear No. 13 in his career.
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Why Does Brock Purdy Wear Number 13?
NFL Hall of Famer and former Miami Dolphins superstar quarterback Dan Marino was one of the game’s elite QBs during his time in the league. Brock’s dad Shawn was one of his biggest fans and, in turn, raised Brock to be a huge fan of the NFL great as well. The fact that Purdy was 19 days old when Marino threw his last in the NFL doesn’t matter — the love and admiration for the quarterback was passed down from father to son.
Prior to Purdy’s Week 3 “Thursday Night Football” game against the Giants, he had the chance to FaceTime with his idol courtesy of another former Dolphins quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Brock Purdy, meet Dan Marino. Courtesy of our guy Fitz. pic.twitter.com/DWhT8Gm17Z
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 22, 2023
As you can imagine, the conversation was one that was meaningful for Purdy. “It’s an honor, man,” Purdy said as he met Marino for the first time. “My dad, I mean he loved you growing up. I wear 13 and everything because of you man so appreciate it.”
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Purdy would also make sure Marino knew that he was, in fact, able to see the legend play despite his young age. It was a special moment shared by him and his father to this day. Purdy shared that he was born on Dec. 27, 1999, a day on which Marino faced the Jets. “My dad always said I got to see you play the day I was born,” Purdy said.
A Start to a Career That’d Make Dan Marino Proud
Nobody has had a more perfect start to a career than Purdy has. Through his first 11 regular-season starts, Purdy has yet to suffer a loss. The young quarterback has been everything the 49ers have asked him to be. San Francisco looks to be the best team in the NFL right now.