Brock Purdy (Photo By Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images)
Brock Purdy might not have meant to stir the pot, but one comment about his early days with the San Francisco 49ers has fans talking. Purdy casually recalled a moment from the 2022 season on the “Built 4 More Podcast” when coaches named Jimmy Garoppolo the starting quarterback over Trey Lance. But it was his reasoning that raised eyebrows.
“Once Jimmy Garoppolo became the starter, I was like, I might get some playing time this year. I just don’t know when,” Purdy said. To some, it was a harmless reflection. To others, it sounded like a subtle jab at Garoppolo’s injury history or performance. Either way, it reignited discussions about the 49ers’ quarterback shuffle and Purdy’s unexpected rise to the top.
Was Brock Purdy Taking A Shot At Garoppolo?
Jimmy Garoppolo (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The response online has been mixed. Some fans argue that Purdy was merely acknowledging the reality of being a backup quarterback in the NFL. “When you go from QB3 to QB2, your chances of seeing the field go up dramatically. Especially since Jimmy had an injury history. It should be obvious that this isn’t a shot at Jimmy although we all know he is much better than Jimmy,” one user commented.
Others took a more critical view. “Tbf everyone knows Jimmy G is injury prone,” another fan noted.
A third fan pointed out the irony, saying, “What Brock doesn’t know is the backup is thinking the same thing about him.”
Regardless of the interpretation, Purdy’s prediction came true. Garoppolo suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in early December 2022, paving the way for Purdy to take over. He finished the regular season 5-0 and led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game. His fantastic play earned him the starting job for the 2023 season, while the Las Vegas Raiders signed Garoppolo, only to release him after one year.
Purdy’s comment may not have been intended as a slight, but in the hyper-analyzed world of the NFL, even an offhand remark can stir debate. Whether it was a dig or just an honest take, it’s clear Purdy’s rise continues to shape conversations about the 49ers’ quarterback legacy.
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