It doesn’t matter how many critics tell San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy that he’s just a “game manager.” Purdy has since received praise from more relevant NFL figures, including Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
After the Chiefs’ 25–22 win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, Spagnuolo said he reached out to Purdy via text to send him an important message.
“I just texted Brock [Purdy] the other day,” Spagnuolo told Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager on Friday. “I tried to track down his number. I just wanted to tell him how much respect I have for him. What a terrific game he played. He’s such a quality guy, strong Christian man, and I respect him.”
“I'll be honest with you. I just texted Brock [Purdy] the other day. I tried to track down his number. I just wanted to tell him how much respect I have for him. What a terrific game he played. He’s such a quality guy, strong Christian man, and I respect him.” - Steve Spagnoulo pic.twitter.com/1WetUXYJGP
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) February 23, 2024
The veteran defensive play-caller went on about how impressed he was by Purdy after watching his film.
“We play Tua, we play Josh Allen, we play Lamar Jackson, and you’ve got to worry about those guys running the football,” Spagnuolo continued. “I turn the film on, and then [Purdy’s] ripping Green Bay and Detroit with a couple of run plays. And I said ‘Okay, here we go, we got another one.’”
Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 draft, arguably proved his naysayers wrong in the postseason with 774 passing yards and three touchdowns against one interception. As Spagnuolo noted, “Mr. Irrelevant” showcased his ability to extend plays with his legs in key playoff drives and played a clean game in the Super Bowl; however, his rival on the other side of the field, Patrick Mahomes, just did him one better.
The NFC champions will look to strengthen their team this offseason, which includes finding a new defensive coordinator to replace Steve Wilks. The Chiefs recently signed Spagnuolo to an extension but will have tough decisions to make on Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed, among other pending free agents.
