On Sunday, as Brock Purdy leads the San Francisco 49ers against the Kansas City Chiefs, he won’t just be focused on securing a victory. Amidst the gridiron battle, Purdy’s ritual remains unchanged: he’ll be fervently praying not for triumph, but for peace. This heartfelt tradition, woven into his game day routine, transcends touchdowns and tackles, embodying his commitment to a deeper, more meaningful purpose beyond the field.
“It’s not, ‘God, can we win here? Can we do something great here?’ It’s more just to have that peace, that steadfastness in all the chaos,” he said while meeting with reporters this week.
Observations like these shed light on why the rising star quarterback has emerged as one of the NFL’s standout Christian figures. Whether it’s during media interviews, on his social media platforms, or in locker room discussions, Purdy consistently shifts the spotlight onto his unwavering faith in God. His dedication to sharing his spiritual journey resonates not only with his teammates but also with fans across the league, solidifying his reputation as a beacon of faith amidst the hustle and bustle of professional football.
“Being a professional athlete, it’s easy to get wrapped up in your job. … But having a perspective on what your purpose in life is with your family, faith first and God, I think those are for me No. 1,” he said this week.
Purdy’s swift ascent to prominence within the NFL landscape left many fans perplexed. In a league characterized by flamboyant and intense personalities, the young talent from Iowa State stood out for his seemingly unassuming demeanor.
Furthermore, Purdy’s devout religious convictions were a notable aspect of his persona. While numerous NFL players openly express their faith, such as Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Purdy’s inclination to reference God in almost every public appearance distinguished him within the league.
“You go out there, you prepare as best you can, you get better every single day at practice, and once you get your opportunity, it’s ‘What are you going to do with it?’ For me, I believe in the Lord, and I trust in Him. I just go out there, and I just play,” he said after he came in for an injured Garoppolo and led the 49ers to victory in December 2022, according to Fox News.
In his recent conversation with Steve Young, Purdy explained that his relationship with God makes his success in the NFL possible, as the Deseret News previously reported.
“My identity isn’t in football,” Purdy said. “I know who I am, and ‘God, if you want me to do great with (football), great. If not, all right, let’s go do something else, wherever you need me.’ That’s allowed me to not put all this pressure on myself. It’s allowed me to play free. It’s allowed me to live my life and keep things simple.”
During interviews this week ahead of the Super Bowl, Purdy has continued to talk about how his faith helps him stay calm in high-pressure moments.
He told reporters that he’s read Psalm 23 again and again this season and that it helps him remember that God is with him amid the “craziness,” as the Deseret News previously reported.
“I know God’s with me and he’s right here in this moment,” Purdy said.
Today, God will be with Purdy in his biggest moment yet: the Super Bowl. And Purdy will be praising him no matter what happens.
Brock Purdy’s roots trace back to Gilbert, Arizona, where his upbringing was steeped in religious engagement from early on. Reflecting on his journey, he revealed to a journalist during his college years that his upbringing instilled in him a fundamental principle: prioritize devotion to God over his innate athletic talents or burgeoning football prospects. This steadfast foundation, cultivated amidst the rigors of his collegiate experience, underscores his commitment to staying grounded in faith amid the glitz and glamor of the NFL stage.
“Whatever I’m doing, I know what my purpose is, and that’s in the Lord. That’s what my identity is in,” he said.
During a recent interview with San Francisco 49ers icon Steve Young, broadcasted on the team’s official YouTube channel, Purdy elaborated on the roots of his faith, as documented by the Deseret News. He credited his parents for instilling the values of spirituality within him, emphasizing their practice of communal prayer during his formative years and continuing the tradition to this day. This anecdote not only showcases Purdy’s deep-seated connection to his family but also underscores the enduring influence of faith within the NFL community.
“The night before games, we always call. We pray together,” he said. “My dad’s nervous. He’s always praying. He says the whole game he’s just praying the whole time.”
Upon entering the NFL with the Iowa State Cyclones in 2018, Brock Purdy was initially slated to serve as a backup quarterback, patiently awaiting his opportunity to take the field as a rookie.
According to insights shared by his former coaches and teammates with the Des Moines Register, during his inaugural fall training camp, the young quarterback displayed considerable potential. Demonstrating adeptness in delivering substantial passes and exhibiting excellent rapport with his teammates, he left a positive impression. Despite these attributes, he commenced the season occupying the third spot on the quarterback depth chart.
However, a twist of fate unfolded when the starting quarterback, Kyle Kempt, sustained an injury, and the backup, Zeb Noland, encountered challenges. This pivotal moment paved the way for Purdy’s entrance into the fray for Iowa State on October 6, 2018, marking the inception of a burgeoning star’s ascent in the NFL arena.
“He threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns while running for another 84 yards and a TD in the upset victory,” the Des Moines Register reported.
Throughout the ensuing two seasons, Purdy’s brilliance continued to illuminate the gridiron. Guiding the Cyclones to unprecedented success, he orchestrated notable triumphs, culminating in a remarkable Fiesta Bowl victory over Oregon to conclude his junior campaign.
Amidst his gridiron exploits, Purdy remained steadfast in his commitment to fostering camaraderie and uplifting his teammates, prioritizing their collective success over personal acclaim. He dedicated significant portions of his off-field endeavors to forging deep connections with his fellow players and assumed a leadership role in a campus ministry group, exemplifying his selflessness and dedication beyond the confines of the NFL arena.
“Purdy was at the church every Thursday through the year and every Sunday when he could make it,” the Des Moines Register reported, noting that Purdy chose to be re-baptized while in college to signify his deeper connection to his Christian faith.
Ahead of Purdy’s senior year, Jack Bertilson, who worked with the same ministry program, asked him what he wanted to accomplish during his time left on campus. Bertilson recently described the quarterback’s surprising answer in an interview with the Des Moines Register.
“He’s like, ‘All I want at the end of the day is that the guys in the locker room would know that I loved and cared about them,’” Bertilson said.
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