Before Brock Purdy was the calm and accurate quarterback taking the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl, he was a three-star prospect out of Gilbert, Arizona. He flew under the radar of the major college programs. His path from Perry High School to Iowa State University is one of grit, perseverance, and the strength of taking opportunities by the horn.
At Iowa State, Purdy developed from a low-profile prospect to the most award-winning quarterback in the program’s history, laying the groundwork for his surprise ascent in the NFL.
Brock Purdy’s College Career: How Iowa State Built Mr. Irrelevant into a Star
Brock Purdy’s football career started at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona. That’s where he established himself as a talent by passing for 4,410 yards and 57 touchdowns as a senior, an Arizona Conference 6A record.
All this and being the 2017 Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year did not generate much interest from the big programs. In the end, he committed to Iowa State University, attracted by the prospect of contributing immediately.
Coming to Ames in 2018, Purdy rapidly rose the depth chart, becoming the starting quarterback during his sophomore season after the midpoint of his freshman year.
He went 7-2 in starts with the Cyclones, throwing for 2,250 yards and 16 touchdowns and running for 308 yards and five touchdowns. The effort earned him national attention and cemented him as the leader of the team.
Record-Breaking Tenure at Iowa State
During the ensuing three seasons, Purdy increased his level of play, rising to become Iowa State’s most victorious quarterback, with a record of 30-17. He played and started 46 games, directing the Cyclones to four years of consecutive postseason appearances—a school first.
Purdy established or equaled 32 school marks, such as career passing yardage (12,170), total offense (13,347), passing scores (81), completions (993), and completion percentage (67.7%).
His most memorable show was in 2019 against Louisiana-Monroe. That’s when he accumulated a school-record 510 total offenses. He also contributed six touchdowns to help Iowa State beat Louisiana-Monroe 72-20. Purdy’s consistency and leadership played a vital role in raising the Cyclones’ national stature during his stay.
Off the field, Purdy was described as humble and having a strong work ethic. He tended to give credit to his faith and family for staying humble, saying, “My identity is in Jesus, and I continue to lean on Him.”
Transition to the NFL: From Mr. Irrelevant to Starting Quarterback
Although successful in college, Purdy was drafted with the last choice (262nd overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers with the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant.”
The third-string quarterback to start, injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance promoted Purdy to the role of starting quarterback late in the 2022 season. Purdy made the most of it, guiding the 49ers to five straight regular-season victories and an NFC Championship Game appearance.
Purdy kept on thrilling in the 2023 campaign, leading San Francisco to an encore divisional title and appearance in the Super Bowl. Purdy established a single-season passing yards franchise mark and made the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
Taking a momentous look at what has brought him this far, Purdy offered, “It’s about being ready when your number is called and making the most of every opportunity.”
The effect of Brock Purdy on the game of Iowa State football reaches beyond stats and records. Brock was responsible for helping revolutionize the Cyclones as a solid contender for the Big 12 Conference. Leadership, calm under pressure, and overall play have established a new level for the program.
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Purdy’s success has also encouraged subsequent generations of Iowa State players that with hard work and determination, greatness can be achieved irrespective of initial expectations. His tale is a great reminder that talent may be discovered in the most unlikely places, and that determination can conquer any hindrance.
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