San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy On Media's Criticism And Details How He's Improved His Game In 2024

Published: Sep 7, 2024, 6:27 PM
5 min read
Updated: May 31, 2025, 8:17 AM
Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

 

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy feels more confident heading into his third year.

Following a sensational season in which he led the Niners to within a score of winning the Super Bowl in his first full year starting, Purdy acknowledges everything feels a lot more "smooth and natural" after going through a full offseason healthy. Purdy was recovering from a torn UCL entering the 2023 season.

"Yeah, just the relationships that we've all been able to build on, the last two years going into year three, we're just around each other all the time in the locker room, lifting, on the practice field, we just know each other very well," says Purdy in a one-on-one interview with RG on behalf of his partnership with Applebee's. "Every time I step in the huddle, it's like I've been there with my brothers and I can be real with them and hold them accountable and they can hold me accountable. 

The chemistry that we all have, how we get in and out of the huddle and run our plays, everything just feels a lot more smooth and natural."

All things considered, Purdy had a superb season despite suffering a serious injury during the NFC Championship Game at the conclusion of the 2022 season. Despite spending the beginning of last offseason recovering from the injury, Purdy returned in time for training camp and ended up starting 16 of the 17 games during the regular season. The 24-year-old ended up leading the NFL in passer rating, yards per attempt and yards per pass completion. He also broke the Niners' 23-year franchise record for single-season passing yards.

Despite all of that individual and team success through his first two seasons, there are still detractors who don't believe Purdy is an elite quarterback. The media has shaped a narrative that Purdy's success is largely due to the talent surrounding him rather than because of his own skill level. In a poll among general managers, coaches, and executives, Purdy was voted the 10th-best QB in the NFL. That's despite the fact that Purdy actually finished fourth in MVP voting.

Although the media spends a lot of time chirping about Purdy, the Pro Bowl quarterback says he doesn't pay much attention to what they say.

"I don't pay too much attention to it. For me, it's been about my teammates and the people within this building, within this organization. They see me prepare, they see me go about my business here every day. We're the people that are going to war together. What matters most is the guys that I'm stepping out on the field with and having their respect and their trust, because we're the ones that are winning games together.

"As long as we're winning games, that's all that matters. Not trying to please the whole world and the media and trying to be this perfect person that they expect me to be. If that's the case, then it would just be draining and exhausting. That's what matters most — earning the trust and respect of the people within this building. That's all that matters."

And while Purdy is obviously already one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, he continues to look for ways to get better. He says he worked on two specific things in the offseason — his mobility and his mental game.

"I think mentally, watching the film and learning situational football and what I could have done better," says Purdy. "That's one thing mentally that I sort of honed in on and want to get better at — and need to get better at. The other thing physically is my mobility. I think it helped out with my speed and my arm strength and everything. Just being able to open my shoulders and my hips and just be a better athlete. That's something I'll always work on. Obviously, last year with my elbow injury that took all my time and effort, whereas this year, I was actually able to work on other parts of my body and become a better athlete in general."

Considering Purdy is still very much developing as he enters just his third season in the NFL, he outlines the biggest thing he's learned since entering the league — keeping things simple.

"Everything matters, the detail," explains Purdy. "Everyone's so good, we're playing the best of the best every Sunday. Finding ways to keep it simple at the end of the day. I think when I first got to the NFL it was, 'Man, the guy on the other side of the ball is Jalen Ramsey or Aaron Donald.' There's these big talented guys that you've heard of while growing up. At the end of the day, it's football and I have to make the right decision with the ball in my hands, every down, every play, be consistent and keep it simple. I feel like if I can have that state of mind and that chip on my shoulder every game, then everything takes care of itself. But the minute I start overthinking it and think more about who they are and what they do, then I feel like that can consume me and sort of handcuff me mentally."

Purdy will look to keep things "simple" when his Niners host the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets in Week 1 in the Monday Night Football opener.

Sports Reporter

DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter who focuses on football, basketball and pro wrestling. He has covered some of the biggest sporting events, including the NBA Finals and Wrestlemania and often interviews high-profile athletes on a weekly basis. Siddiqi has interviewed the likes of Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His previous experience includes working as a lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports in addition to working as a beat reporter covering the NFL and the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report. Follow Siddiqi for exclusive one-on-one interviews and analysis on key topics in sports

Interests:
NFL
NBA
NCAAF
NCAAB
NHL
Travel
Interviews

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Football
07/04/2025
Paul M. Banks
Paul M. Banks
Juice Wells Bringing Swagger, Grit to New York Giants' WR Room

Antwane "Juice" Wells is ready to make his mark with the Giants, reuniting with his college QB and learning from NFL veterans in New York.

Juice Wells Bringing Swagger, Grit to New York Giants' WR Room
Football
07/04/2025
Landon Buford
Landon Buford
Xavier Watts Brings Relentless Energy to Falcons’ Defensive Future

Falcons rookie safety Xavier Watts' trainer broke down why the ex-Notre Dame star will thrive at the NFL level.

Xavier Watts Brings Relentless Energy to Falcons’ Defensive Future
Football
07/03/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Steelers Great Jerome Bettis Backs Rams as NFC West Favorite Over 49ers

Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis names the Rams NFC West favorites, praising Stafford and spotlighting defense as key to Super Bowl hopes.

Steelers Great Jerome Bettis Backs Rams as NFC West Favorite Over 49ers
Football
07/02/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Garrett Nussmeier Aims to Lead LSU Back to National Prominence

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier reflects on his growth, Drew Brees’ influence, and the Tigers’ desire to win another national championship.

Garrett Nussmeier Aims to Lead LSU Back to National Prominence
Football
06/26/2025
Paul M. Banks
Paul M. Banks
Justice Haynes Joins Michigan With NFL Goals And Business Moves

Former top RB Justice Haynes commits to Michigan, aiming for NFL success while building a business portfolio through innovative NIL equity

Justice Haynes Joins Michigan With NFL Goals And Business Moves
Football
06/20/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Xavier Legette Eyes Breakout Year As Panthers Target Playoffs

Panthers WR Xavier Legette wants to fix last year’s mistakes, build chemistry with Bryce Young, and lead Carolina back to the postseason

Xavier Legette Eyes Breakout Year As Panthers Target Playoffs
Football
06/19/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Dallas Goedert Ready to Defend Eagles’ Super Bowl Title in 2025 Season

Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert discusses his return to Philadelphia, priorities for the season, and excitement to chase another Super Bowl victory

Dallas Goedert Ready to Defend Eagles’ Super Bowl Title in 2025 Season
Football
06/11/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“We’re Always Pushing Each Other”: Kyler Gordon’s Rise to Elite Status

Kyler Gordon opens up on his bond with Jaylon Johnson, his ballet background, and why the Bears defense is ready to shock the NFL in 2025

“We’re Always Pushing Each Other”: Kyler Gordon’s Rise to Elite Status
Football
06/10/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Exclusive: Tom Brady Details His Vision for Raiders Turnaround

In an exclusive interview with RG, Tom Brady shares how he plans to help turn the Raiders around with Pete Carroll, Geno Smith, and a championship mindset

Exclusive: Tom Brady Details His Vision for Raiders Turnaround
Football
05/30/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“We Got To Go Get That Ring”: Ryan Williams Aims To Lead Alabama Back To National Championship Glory

Alabama star Ryan Williams wants to win it all, lead by example, and thrive under Kalen DeBoer’s offensive mindset

“We Got To Go Get That Ring”: Ryan Williams Aims To Lead Alabama Back To National Championship Glory

Our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan

Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.

In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.

In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.

Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.