Brock Purdy on on his journey from Mr. Irrelevant to 49ers QB1

Brock Purdy has come a long way since taking over as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback in December 2022.

On Thursday, Purdy will make his 50th start for the 49ers when San Francisco opens the season against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.

For Purdy, the milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on just how much has changed since his first career start.

“My first career start, 2022 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Purdy said during Tuesday’s press conference in Melbourne. “It was a fun game. Went out there, we all did great as a team, and we went on a good little winning streak there at the end of the year.”

Since then, Purdy said he has grown considerably as both a quarterback and a person.

“What I knew then compared to now is obviously a night-and-day difference,” Purdy said. “And understanding still, though, that same love of the game that I had from my first start until now has been the same.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a fourth quarter touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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That growth has been especially evident in how Brock Purdy approaches his preparation.

Earlier this week, 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak praised Purdy’s development and said the fifth-year quarterback has “really, in a lot of ways, mastered his craft” when it comes to his preparation.

Purdy’s own description of his approach was similar: stay focused on the present and continue working.

“I don’t take it for granted,” Purdy said. “I definitely wear my heart on my sleeve and have that chip on my shoulder to go out every day and play this game and know that it’s not guaranteed tomorrow.”

Purdy will also enter the opener with a significant weapon back in the offense in George Kittle.

Kittle has worked relentlessly to return from his injury in time for Week 1, and Purdy said seeing the tight end back on the field has been a welcome sight.

“It’s been awesome,” Purdy said. “He’s a Hall-of-Fame caliber player, and he’s going to make plays anytime he’s out there. So, for me as a quarterback to have him back out there feels really good.”

Purdy also discussed the unusual experience of playing the NFL’s first game in Australia, potentially in front of a crowd approaching 100,000 fans.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on November 24, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)

“It’s going to be the first time for a lot of us for an NFL game,” Purdy said. “So, really, really excited about that.”

Despite the unusual setting, Purdy’s message remains the same one that has carried him throughout his career.

“Be where your feet are at,” Purdy said when asked what advice he would give young Australians hoping to reach the NFL. “Go hard at your training, your preparation.”

That mentality has taken Brock Purdy from the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft to the 49ers’ established QB1. Now, he’ll look to add another chapter to that story in Melbourne.

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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT

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