From the last pick in the NFL draft to the potential MVP in two seasons, Brock Purdy has been the butt of one too many jokes. Many like to doubt him, but most of his doubters are pretty silent with his impressive first full campaign as a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins is nowhere on the “Purdy Can’t” party. He’s employed all his wit and literary skills to make a very strong case for the Super Bowl-bound ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ – a nickname given to the person drafted with the very last overall pick in 2022.

“Y’all can debate whether Brock is game manager or game changer… all I know is that he’s a Purdy damn good football player! Carry the hell on…” the ESPN sportscaster wrote on X. Stephen A. Smith’s colleague’s way with words went unnoticed as football fans still want to debate if the 24-year-old is a game manager or game changer.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury led to Mr Irrelevant taking the starting position. He came through on more than one occasion. He led the 49ers to the NFC championship for the second straight year by beating the Detroit Lions 34-31. Not many last picks are the main factors that could win a Super Bowl in their first two seasons.

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ESPN analysts like Perkins have loved Purdy’s ability to extend a game in the Niners’ favor. He’s come through in crunch time as displayed in the game against the Packers. Critics opined he’s under par and just a manager of Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s team in the absence of a shot-caller. They were eating their words when he led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter during the divisional playoffs.

Kendrick Perkins is secure about Brock Purdy

Perkins was a 1st round pick in the 2003 NBA draft straight out of high school. He might not relate to Purdy’s irrelevant label. He’s drawing a bigger picture. His reference to ‘game manager’ is a common argument regarding Purdy. The quarterback though has retained his head coach’s trust. And Shanahan has repeatedly defended Purdy’s growth since the 2023-24 season began.

Early in the season, Purdy’s status was doubtful coming off an off-season surgery. Perkins’ colleague, Stephen A. Smith pinned the 49ers’ initial 0-3 skid on the young QB. Despite being statistically strong, Smith felt that the team had a “quarterback problem.”

It’s a problem no more. Perkins and Coach Kyle and several fans in Mr Irrelevant’s corner believe if this is how Brock Purdy ‘manages’ a team, the 49ers’ chances are looking good.

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