San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy tells ESPN how he plans to elevate his game in 2024.
The anticipation for the upcoming NFL season is palpable as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy looks as ready as ever. Purdy is entering his third season with the Niners and expects to elevate his play heading into 2024. Still, it will be his first time entering an offseason completely healthy, and 49ers fans should be excited at what lays ahead for the third-year quarterback.
“For me it was like, this is going to be a different kind of offseason,” Purdy said to ESPN. “It’s nice that I don’t have to be on this schedule and regime of rehab, rehab, rehab, get healthy and sort of stress about am I going to make it back for the season or not.”
Last year, Purdy completed his first season as the starting quarterback and entered new territory. He now holds the franchise record for most passing yards in a season with 4,280 yards. And not only did he earn his first Pro Bowl, but he is also the first quarterback to throw 30+ touchdowns in red and gold since 2001 when Jeff Garcia accomplished that feat.
Despite the records and the season ending in a narrow Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Purdy still sees ways he can improve on and off the field.
This offseason, Purdy has made significant strides in understanding the responsibilities of being a team leader for the franchise. His dedication to improving his physicality is a testament to his commitment to ensuring the team’s continued success.
Purdy stated, “We sort of just have an offseason to breathe and reflect on really the last two years because it’s been go, go, go. For me it’s been really good, just mentally and sort of having that hunger to come back and be ready to roll. Come the season, that’s what matters is being in the best shape possible for what is a marathon.”
Purdy has been following a workout routine in Florida to add more muscle to his frame. This should help improve his flexibility and mobility during games. His devised plans for the upcoming season focuses on being able “to run, make plays, throw the ball, stay in shape”.
While Purdy’s physical state is constantly improving, head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed optimism from what he has seen from his quarterback in this period.
“He is definitely ahead of where he was last year this time,” coach Shanahan expressed. “It’s been awesome for him to lead us through the whole offseason, just drillwise and everything. It’s been great to have [him] for a first full offseason.”
His presence at the organized team activities and minicamp practices is notable, and his teammates have reported that he is a prominent figure in the locker room.
“I think he’s definitely getting a little more vocal within the building,” 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa said. “I don’t think he’s somebody that’s going to change even when he gets paid next year.”
Despite reaching the Super Bowl in such a short amount of time, Purdy’s popularity and fame have grown massively. This has seen him acquire big-money sponsorship deals and appearances around the Bay Area sports scene.
While his attitude remains the same, his rookie contract expires in 2025. Modern quarterback contract inflation would expect Purdy to become one of if not the highest-paid players in the NFL.
“I’m trying to win this year and do everything I can for this organization,” Purdy said. “Everything else happens how it happens… Getting too caught up in all that kind of stuff is, for me, that’s nonsense. I’m taking it one day at a time and getting better.”
