Coach discusses Brock Purdy becoming face of 49ers

On Wednesday, 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese spoke with reporters about Brock Purdy becoming an unexpected team leader in less than two years. 

"I know it’s no small feat to be the face of a franchise and the leader of an organization," Griese said about Purdy, per Michael Wagaman of NBC Sports Bay Area. "That takes time to get the confidence and be comfortable in that position and understand all the little things that you do during the course of the day, a week or a month that blend into that. Brock is growing in that area. That’s really cool." 

Purdy originally joined the 49ers as the final pick of the 2022 draft but was called into action in December of that year when both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were sidelined with injuries. As a rookie, Purdy guided the 49ers all the way to the NFC Championship Game before he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during what became a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

That setback proved to be little more than a blip on the radar. Purdy recovered in time to begin last season as San Francisco's QB1, and he ultimately became a finalist for the regular-season MVP Award and a starter for the Super Bowl LVIII showdown versus the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Being healthy is definitely going to benefit Brock the whole offseason," Griese said about Purdy going through organized team activities as a full-time starter who isn't recovering from a serious injury. "It’s hard to work on your timing and footwork and timing as a quarterback if you’re not throwing the ball."

The 49ers fell in overtime to the Chiefs this past February but should again be among the NFC's best teams this season. Meanwhile, DraftKings Sportsbook had Purdy tied for sixth among the betting favorites at +1200 odds to earn MVP honors for the upcoming campaign as of Thursday afternoon. 

"I think we can continue to get better at our progressions, footwork, how we manage games, situational awareness, things that all quarterbacks have to continue to get better at," Griese said about what Purdy is working on ahead of training camp. "It’s a confidence thing. When you first come here, it’s a lot. You’re swimming mentally, and it’s hard to be assertive and demonstrative and be a leader when you’re thinking a whole lot about your job." 

Purdy could sign a massive contract extension next offseason if Griese and others are right about the 24-year-old continuing to exceed expectations. If nothing else, Purdy seemingly has answered questions regarding how he'll handle the pressure of being a franchise's on-the-field CEO, considering all that he's endured since the final day of the 2022 draft.