Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brock Richard Purdy |
| Date of Birth | December 27, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Queen Creek, Arizona |
| High School | Perry High School, Gilbert, Arizona |
| College | Iowa State University |
| Degree | Communication Studies (2021) |
| College GPA | 3.66 |
| NFL Draft | 2022, Round 7, Pick 262 (Mr. Irrelevant) |
| Current Team | San Francisco 49ers |
Where Did Brock Purdy Go to College?
Brock Purdy attended Iowa State University, where he played for the Cyclones from 2018 to 2021. He graduated with a degree in Communication Studies while establishing 32 school records and becoming the winningest quarterback in Iowa State history.
Early Life and Family Background
Brock Purdy was born into an athletic family in Queen Creek, Arizona. His father, Shawn Purdy, was a Minor League Baseball pitcher for eight seasons, providing professional sports insight. His mother, Carrie Purdy, supported the family’s athletic endeavors while helping run Fantastic Spa Outlet, their pool service business.
Family Structure:
- Older Sister: Whittney Purdy (born November 1997)
- Younger Brother: Chubba (Preston) Purdy, also a quarterback
The Phoenix area’s year-round favorable climate allowed consistent training. Purdy played baseball initially but focused exclusively on football after his sophomore year.
High School Education at Perry High School
Academic Performance
At Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, Purdy balanced academics with elite athletics. He maintained strong grades while dedicating extensive time to football training and competition.
High School Football Statistics
| Category | Career Stats | Senior Season (2017-18) |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 8,932 | 4,410 |
| Touchdowns | 107 | 57 |
| Interceptions | — | 9 |
| Completions | 527 | 238 |
| Attempts | 828 | 368 |
| Completion % | 63.6% | 64.7% |
| Yards Per Game | 255.2 | 314.6 |
High School Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Gatorade Football Player of the Year | 2017-18 |
| Arizona Republic High School Player of the Year | 2017-18 |
| All-State Selection | 2017-18 |
| All-Far West Honors | 2017-18 |
| Team MVP Award | 2017-18 |
Despite these achievements, Purdy was rated only a three-star recruit by 247Sports, receiving limited attention from major college programs. He led Perry to a 27-13 record but lost two Arizona state championship games (2016, 2017).
Iowa State University: College Education (2018-2021)
Choosing Iowa State
Purdy committed to Iowa State University over limited Power Five offers. The decision proved transformational for both Purdy and the Cyclones program. Iowa State coaches recognized his potential despite his modest recruiting ranking.
College Football Career Statistics
| Season | Games | Pass Yards | TDs | INTs | Completion % | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (Fr) | 13 | 2,250 | 16 | 7 | 66.0% | Immediate starter |
| 2019 (So) | 13 | 3,982 | 27 | 9 | 65.7% | Second Team All-Big 12 |
| 2020 (Jr) | 12 | 2,750 | 19 | 9 | 71.2% | First Team All-Big 12 |
| 2021 (Sr) | 13 | 3,188 | 19 | 8 | 67.6% | First Team All-Big 12 |
| Career | 51 | 12,170 | 81 | 33 | 67.5% | 32 school records |
Iowa State Records Established
Purdy holds 32 Iowa State records, including:
- Most career wins by a quarterback
- Career passing yards (12,170)
- Career passing touchdowns (81)
- Career total touchdowns (100)
- Career pass attempts
- Career completions
- Highest career completion percentage
He became the first Iowa State quarterback since Austin Arnaud to start every regular season game, demonstrating remarkable durability and consistency.
Academic Excellence at Iowa State
| Academic Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Communication Studies |
| Graduation Year | 2021 |
| GPA | 3.66 |
| Academic All-America | Second Team (2020) |
| Academic All-Big 12 | First Team (3 times) |
Purdy’s communication studies degree prepared him for media responsibilities and leadership roles. He balanced rigorous football schedules with coursework, attending classes during the season and completing requirements on time.
Athletic Honors at Iowa State
| Honor | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| First Team All-Big 12 (Coaches) | 2020 |
| First Team All-Big 12 (AP) | 2021 |
| Second Team All-Big 12 (Coaches) | 2019, 2021 |
| Big 12 Sportsman of the Year | 2022 |
| Big 12 Sportsmanship Award | 2021-22 |
| Davey O’Brien Award Watch List | 2021 |
Impact on Iowa State Program
Before Purdy, Iowa State struggled as a bottom-tier Big 12 program. His tenure transformed them into consistent bowl contenders. He led Iowa State to multiple winning seasons and elevated the program’s national profile. His leadership extended beyond statistics—he mentored younger players and represented the university with professionalism.
NFL Draft: The Mr. Irrelevant Story
2022 NFL Draft Selection
On April 30, 2022, despite his record-breaking college career and academic credentials, Purdy waited through all seven rounds. The San Francisco 49ers selected him with pick 262, the final selection, earning him the “Mr. Irrelevant” designation.
Draft Context:
- 261 players selected before him
- Multiple quarterbacks chosen earlier
- Minimal expectations from analysts
- Viewed as training camp roster filler
Purdy handled the situation with characteristic humility, stating his faith in Christ provided perspective regardless of draft position.
NFL Career with San Francisco 49ers
Professional Statistics (2022-2025)
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Career Passer Rating | 112.6 (through first 25 starts) |
| NFL Records | Highest rating through 25 starts (since 1970) |
| Playoff Appearances | Super Bowl LVIII |
| MVP Voting | 4th place finish |
| Contract | 5-year, $265 million (2025) |
Career Progression
2022 Season: Activated after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Won first seven starts, becoming first Mr. Irrelevant to throw playoff touchdown.
2023 Season: Led NFL in yards per attempt (9.6) and passer rating (113.0). Guided 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII.
2024-2025: Established as franchise quarterback with major contract extension, transforming from Mr. Irrelevant to one of NFL’s highest-paid players.
Personal Life
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage | Jenna Brandt (March 9, 2024) |
| Wedding Location | Plymouth Church, Des Moines, Iowa |
| Religion | Christianity (openly discusses faith) |
| Parents’ Business | Fantastic Spa Outlet (pool service) |
| Residence | San Francisco Bay Area |
Educational Impact and Legacy
Value of Academic Commitment
Purdy’s 3.66 GPA while playing Division I football demonstrates exceptional time management and discipline. His communication studies degree proves valuable in NFL media obligations and team leadership.
Lessons from Educational Journey
- Persistence Over Pedigree: Three-star recruit became record-breaking college quarterback
- Academic Balance: Maintained high GPA while setting 32 school records
- Program Loyalty: Committed to Iowa State, helped build winning culture
- Character Development: Big 12 Sportsmanship awards reflect values beyond athletics
Continued Iowa State Connection
Purdy maintains strong ties to Iowa State, contributing financially to the Liberal Arts and Sciences program. He regularly returns to Ames and speaks about his educational experience shaping his NFL success.
Career Earnings and Financial Growth
| Period | Earnings | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2024 (3 years) | $2.88 million | Rookie contract |
| 2025-2029 | $265 million | Extension |
| Career Total | $267.88+ million | Active |
The financial transformation from Mr. Irrelevant’s minimal salary to elite quarterback compensation illustrates his unprecedented rise.
Conclusion: From Overlooked to Elite
Brock Purdy’s educational journey—from Perry High School through Iowa State University to NFL stardom—demonstrates that talent evaluation is imperfect. His commitment to academics (3.66 GPA), character (multiple sportsmanship awards), and continuous improvement created success beyond anyone’s projections.
Key Takeaways:
- Attended Iowa State University (2018-2021)
- Graduated with Communication Studies degree
- Established 32 school records
- Maintained 3.66 GPA with multiple academic honors
- Three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection
- Transformed from Mr. Irrelevant to $265 million quarterback
Purdy’s story proves that educational foundation, work ethic, and character matter more than recruiting rankings or draft position.