Last month, San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy casually revealed during an interview that the Niners were trying to sign Tom Brady to be their starting quarterback, especially with Purdy still recovering from the shoulder injury he suffered in the NFC Championship Game. And now, he’s opening up about it.
During his last interview ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, Brock Purdy gave his honest reaction to the Niners pursuing Tom Brady during the offseason.
“Obviously, they were doing what was best for the team and trying to get a guy and make sure that there was stability within the organization at quarterback, and I don’t blame them for that,” Purdy said according to 49ers WebZone. “So that’s just the way it was. That’s the nature of the sport. Injuries happen, and you’ve got to get a guy that’s healthy and that can play.
“At that time, there was some uncertainty with when I was going to be back and everything. And I know that they didn’t look at what I did the year before as nothing. I know that. We had talked, and they totally respected the way I came in and handled business.
“And so, for me, though, there was that little chip on my shoulder. It was, ‘All right, if he does come, [I’ll] obviously compete, but he is the GOAT. You’ve got to learn from him, if that’s the case. But the competitive side of it was, ‘Hey, man, we were just one game away from the Super Bowl. I just got hurt. I can be the guy for this team.’
“So that was my mindset with it, but I understand why they were thinking about it.”
Obviously, things worked out well for everyone involved as Brady is enjoying retirement and Purdy started every game for the Niners and ultimately led them to the Super Bowl.