Purdy Irrelevant No More As Niners Clinch Playoff Birth [VIDEO]
By now you know the story of Brock Purdy. The former Iowa State Cyclone quarterback was selected with the very last pick in the spring's NFL Draft. Yes, Mr. Irrelevant. But Purdy has become very relevant to the NFL and the San Francisco 49ers of late. In his first NFL start last week he went up against and defeated the GOAT, Tom Brady. Not bad. Last night in Seattle, all Purdy did was lead the Niners back to the playoffs.
Purdy threw another pair of touchdown passes, both to former Iowa Hawkeye tight end George Kittle, as the Niners topped the Seattle Seahawks 24-13. ESPN reports that the win clinches the NFC West title for San Fran. Purdy, who was officially listed as questionable last night with a rib and oblique injury, looked healthy enough going 17 of 26 for 216, 2 scores, and no interceptions. He has a passer rating of 117. ESPN reports that he also became the 2nd quarterback in franchise history to win his first two career starts, joining Scott Bull in 1976.
Next up for San Francisco is a Christmas Eve game at home against Washington. Purdy will remain at the helm as starting quarterback Jimmy Garappalo recovers from an ankle injury. So now that Purdy has his team in the playoffs, some wonder is he on track to become the best 'Mr. Irrelevant' of all time?
The history of the title of Mr. Irrelevant goes all the way back to 1976. So who are some of the best last picks in NFL history? The Athletic reports that 1980's Mr. Irrelevant, Tyrone McGriff would make the NFL All-Rookie team. 1994's Mr. Irrelevant Marty Moore became the first to win a Super Bowl, and 2017's Chad Kelly was the first Mr. Irrelevant quarterback to play a snap during a regular season NFL game. But the most decorated Mr. Irrelevant is actually a kicker. The Athletic reports that in 2009 kicker Ryan Succop was the final pick in the NFL Draft. He is still kicking today for Tampa Bay after spending time with Kansas City and Tennessee. He holds the NFL record for the highest field goal percentage by a rookie kicker, and most consecutive kicks made from within 50 yards.