Yardbarker
x
Brock Purdy: 49ers' Super Bowl window '100%' still open
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers are in a celebratory mood after locking in quarterback Brock Purdy to a massive contract extension. He wasn't the only core player to be rewarded this offseason. The team also re-signed All-Pro tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner, securing three foundational pieces for the foreseeable future.

That stability follows a wave of roster turnover. Several key contributors departed in free agency, prompting the team to restock through the draft. Combined with a disappointing 6-11 season, the changes have led some to claim the 49ers' Super Bowl window has closed. But their $265 million quarterback isn't buying it.

Purdy appeared on Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday morning, where he was asked whether he still believes the 49ers' window remains open.

"100%. I think every single year we'll have a chance," Purdy responded. "We have our core group of guys that we've had here for a while that have established our winning culture here. Obviously, we had some stuff go awry last year with injuries and whatnot, but I think, at the end of the day, we have what it takes here.

"And what I mean by that is, even if we have new guys come in, free agents, rookies that have to come in and play, I think we definitely have what it takes to find ways to win and be the best version of ourselves."

Purdy added that the locker room has complete faith in head coach and offensive play-caller Kyle Shanahan, as well as the culture he's built. The players also trust in Shanahan's game plans each week.

"So, at the end of the day, it's 11 on 11, four quarters of football, and you try to find a way to win, and I definitely believe and know that we have what it takes," he said.

Purdy emphasized that he and his teammates have learned to block out external criticism and media noise. While they hear it, they don't let it influence their mindset or daily approach.

"I can tell you no one buys into anything of what the outside world says," Purdy said. "Just the energy here within our locker room, out on the practice field, everyone's got a chip on their shoulder, which excites me because I feel like the best teams and situations can come from when people are doubting you or saying some stuff. And you just put that aside, and you go to work, and you just prove yourself right throughout the season in the year."

Purdy noted that the locker room is filled with young, hungry players eager to prove themselves to one another—and that's what matters most.

Regarding the roster changes, Purdy admitted that watching close teammates move on is difficult, but he understands it's part of life in the NFL.

"Obviously, it's tough initially, just because you've been through so much stuff with all these guys throughout the years," Purdy said. "Like I said, [LB] Dre Greenlaw, [S Talanoa Hufanga], [G] Aaron Banks, all these guys that you step on the field with, and you try to win games, and you have won games and big moments together.

"So, when you see them go just a different route, it can be tough initially. But for me, it's like, that's part of the game, and you've got to find a way. And that's the fun part, the competitive part of this whole thing is the new challenges. You've got new guys coming in, and how can you create a relationship with them, have this authentic brotherhood that lasts throughout the season?

"We're about to go through this crazy journey from beginning to end. And so, for me, it excites me, the new challenge of bringing guys along, teaching them how we do things here in San Francisco. So, it's going to be nothing but great memories and everything. But that's part of it—free agency, guys leave, and I'm happy that guys have gone on and gotten paid and get what they deserve, but it's just part of the game."

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!