Former 49ers WR warns Purdy critics that young QB will prove them wrong originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
A Super Bowl appearance and a 17-4 career record simply aren’t enough to satisfy the haters of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who is just 24 years old.
But former 49ers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders? It is more than enough.
When speaking with Kay Adams on “Up and Adams” On Thursday, the retired 12-year NFL veteran evaluated Purdy’s work and disapproved of a recent Pro Football Focus story that ranked the Iowa State product 13th at his position.
“I don’t think it’s a fair place,” Sanders told Adams. “As far as Purdy goes, I just don’t understand why people keep sleeping with him. I was talking to Deebo (Samuel) last year about Purdy and I said, ‘Man, What about Purdy?‘ And he said, ‘Man, you should see him at the meeting. He comes to the group, he plays with a certain confidence, he comes in and believes, he makes others believe.” And I’ve played with quarterbacks like that, and that’s the type of guy the 49ers have.
“I mean, last year he was a couple of plays away from being a Super Bowl champion. Would that (No. 13 in the PFF rankings) still be the same? All I hear is I keep sleeping with Purdy, he will keep proving them wrong.”
For Sanders, Purdy has proven everyone wrong and more so after his two seasons in the NFL and he’s not going to slow down anytime soon.
Since being selected 262nd and last by San Francisco during the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has completed 422 passes for 5,654 yards and 44 touchdowns. He was also a first-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and AP All-Pro following the 2023 NFL season, Purdy’s first season as a Week 1 starter.
Purdy and the 49ers have restructured ahead of the 2024 season and are expected to make another deep playoff run.
Entering his third season with San Francisco, Purdy will have Sanders’ unwavering support as the 49ers chase the franchise’s sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
“That what a story, going from Mr. Irrelevant to being relevant and going to the Super Bowl last year,” Sanders concluded. “I’m rooting for Purdy. I hope (San Francisco) finishes it this year and wins it all.”
Maybe Sanders can fit the shoes for the 49ers, who have some questions to answer. at wide receiver this off season.
