"I’m already shorter in stature": Brock Purdy shares the harsh reality of being an NFL quarterback under the 49ers’ historic shadow

Brock Purdy has remained relatively quiet this offseason, choosing not to engage in discussions about his contract situation with the San Francisco 49ers or the significant roster changes that saw nine starters and 18 players depart. However, when he finally broke his silence, it was not to talk business but to share a more personal side of his journey.

During an hour-long appearance on the Built 4 More podcast, hosted by quarterback trainer Denny Thompson and Jacksonville-based pastor Joby Martin, Brock Purdy talked about the complexities of playing quarterback in the NFL, and the immense pressure of following in the footsteps of San Francisco legends.
While much of the offseason chatter surrounding Purdy has revolved around contract negotiations and trade rumors, the young quarterback provided a refreshing perspective on a different, often overlooked aspect of the game. He revealed the surprising reality that NFL quarterbacks frequently throw blind—a concept that might shock even the most dedicated football fans.
“So, my quarterback coach Brian Griese, the last couple years, he and I talked about that,” Purdy shared. “He played 11 years; his dad’s Bob Griese. We got talking about how really it’s 60-40—you can see about 60 percent of the time, and the other 40 percent, you really can’t.”

This revelation gives us an idea of just how much of a quarterback’s success depends on anticipation, preparation, and trust in their teammates rather than just pure physical ability. Purdy elaborated further, emphasizing that vision alone isn’t enough to make the right decisions on the field.
"I mean doesn’t matter how bigger you are—I’m already shorter in stature, yes—but he goes that’s why it’s so important when it comes down to knowing coverages, knowing scheme, where our players are supposed to be, how many steps they’re breaking, and where the ball should be over a certain backer."
Beyond the physical and mental demands of the position, Purdy acknowledged the weight of expectations that come with playing quarterback for the 49ers, a franchise steeped in championship history.
“It’s tough, dude, being in the shoes that I am in now and the pressure from the guys having brought championships back to San Francisco. Not comparing myself to their style of play but like what they did for the city and everything, that’s more of the pressure I feel."
The ghosts of Joe Montana and Steve Young loom large in San Francisco, and every 49ers quarterback is inevitably measured against their greatness. However, Purdy remains focused on carving out his own unique legacy rather than chasing comparisons.
“But at the same time, it goes back to ‘comparisons kill.’ I can’t just look at myself and wish I had what they had. God is writing my story a certain way and I’m going to continue to just worship him within that.”
From his early days as a rookie, when he was in awe of teammates like Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams, to his current role as a starting quarterback under intense scrutiny, Purdy has maintained a humble and grounded approach. His faith serves as a guiding force, allowing him to navigate the highs and lows of professional football with perspective and resilience.
The San Francisco 49ers have long been synonymous with elite quarterback play, boasting a lineage of signal-callers who have defined eras and set records in the NFL. From Joe Montana’s precision passing to Steve Young’s dual-threat dominance, the franchise has been home to some of the greatest to ever play the position. Montana, a four-time Super Bowl champion, became the face of the 49ers’ dynasty in the 1980s, while Young carried the torch into the 1990s, winning an MVP award and leading the team to another Lombardi Trophy.
Even after the departure of Montana and Young, the 49ers continued to cultivate talent at the quarterback position. Jeff Garcia, Colin Kaepernick, and Jimmy Garoppolo all played pivotal roles in keeping the franchise competitive. Today, under the leadership of Brock Purdy, the team looks to carry forward the rich quarterback tradition, aiming to add another championship to their storied history.
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While the offseason continues to swirl with speculation about contracts and trades, Purdy’s reflections on the Built 4 More podcast serve as a reminder that playing quarterback is about much more than talent alone. It’s a battle of preparation, pressure, and perseverance—one that Purdy appears ready to embrace on his own terms.