FOOTBALL

Aidan O’Connell says 49ers QB Brock Purdy is ‘an inspiration’

Nov 9, 2023, 3:00 PM

Aidan O'Connell #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws a pass in the fourth quarter of a game against t...

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 05: Aidan O'Connell #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws a pass in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

By now, everyone knows Brock Purdy’s story.

The final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft was thrust into the starting role midway through his rookie season after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, leading the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship.

Now, locked in as the 49ers starting quarterback, he’s already inspiring emerging quarterbacks.

While not the final pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders rookie Aidan O’Connell has a similar story. By the end of training camp and preseason, O’Connell was penciled in as the team’s third-string quarterback. But after injuries to Garoppolo and a regime change, the rookie QB is now leading the Silver & Black.

On Wednesday, O’Connell spoke about their similarities and how their Faith is helping them navigate unknown waters.

“He’s vocal about what he believes in and what gets him through the day, what he enjoys and what’s hard for him. And so, I think just being able to hear that from him and someone who’s played in the NFC Championship game,” O’Connell said. “He’s had a lot of success even just in this first year, first couple years. And so, yeah, he is definitely an inspiration to me.”

Upcoming schedule for Aidan O’Connell and the Raiders

  • Sunday, Nov. 12th vs. New York Jets – 5:20 p.m. PST
  • Sunday, Nov. 19th @ Miami Dolphins – 10 a.m. PST
  • Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. Kansas City Chiefs – 1:25 p.m.PST
  • Week 13 Bye
  • Sunday, Dec. 10th vs. Minnesota Vikings – 1:05 pm. PST

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Newsletter

Football

Malik Mustapha #3 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons walks back to the line of scrimmage during a foo...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers select S Malik Mustapha with 124th overall pick

The 49ers have added another versatile member to the secondary in Malik Mustapha. The San Francisco 49ers have selected the Wake Forest safety with the 124th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After adding a defensive back in Renardo Green on Friday, SF doubles down with another secondary member in the fourth round. Welcome […]

52 minutes ago

Kansas Jayhawks offensive lineman Dominick Puni (67) in the fourth quarter of a Big 12 football gam...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers trade up with Eagles, select OL Dominick Puni with 86th overall pick

After trading down at the end of the second round, the 49ers move up to take Kansas’ Dominick Puni. The San Francisco 49ers have selected offensive lineman Dominick Punt with the 84th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft Friday. To do so, SF had to move up right spots with the Philadelphia Eagles, giving […]

16 hours ago

Renardo Green #8 of the Florida State Seminoles breaks up a pass intended for Joseph Griffin Jr. #2...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers trade back with Chiefs, select CB Renardo Green with 64th overall pick

The 49ers have been known to make out of the box moves, doing so with a bit of creative to select Renardo Green. The San Francisco 49ers selected the Florida State cornerback with the 64th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft Friday night. SF makes the pick after trading back from 63rd overall with […]

17 hours ago

Jackson Powers-Johnson #58 of the Oregon Ducks smiles during a game against the Arizona State Sun D...

Brenden Nunes

Las Vegas Raiders add center Jackson Powers-Johnson with 44th pick

With their second selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders added Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson.

18 hours ago

Ricky Pearsall #1 of the Florida Gators arrives before the start of a game against the Florida Stat...

Amiliano Fragoso

Ricky Pearsall grateful for the opportunity to play for ‘legendary’ 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers got a new weapon for Kyle Shanahan’s offense Thursday, adding Ricky Pearsall to the wide receiver room. In turn, the player is ready to prove them right, excited to be a part of a historic franchise. The first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft conducted his first media availability in Santa […]

19 hours ago

Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown with Brandon Aiyuk #11 during th...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers’ brass leaves door open for Aiyuk, Samuel trade

Night 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft was a shocking one for 49ers fans, now adding another wide receiver to the mix. But with that comes decisions, as both Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk appear to be on the trade table now. San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan were transparent […]

24 hours ago

Aidan O’Connell says 49ers QB Brock Purdy is ‘an inspiration’