“There’s always going to be the circumstances you can’t plan for. There’s always the unexpected relevance and the serendipity.”
–Jason Silva
Turns out Damar Hamlin isn’t the only feel-good story in the NFL this season. I’m referring to Brock Purdy, the first-year quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Purdy was drafted with the 262nd, and last, pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. For those of you who don’t live and breathe NFL Draft minutiae, the person chosen last is deemed “Mr. Irrelevant.” An afterthought, or “What the heck do we have to lose?” pick. Almost a joke.
The 49ers, however, thought differently. Over his four years at Iowa State, Purdy amassed huge passing numbers and set many school records. The team enjoyed four consecutive winning seasons for the first time in a century. And, just the fact that Brock stayed for four years told the San Francisco brain trust something about the young man’s character.
What happened this season was storybook quality. Purdy made the team but was relegated to third on the quarterback depth chart. Through a series of injuries to those ahead of him, in December he became the starting quarterback for six games–and won them all, taking the Niners to the NFC Championship game. He was suddenly no longer “Mr. Irrelevant,” at least to his team, teammates, and Niners fans.
That could be the end of the story, and it would seem enough. A college kid honored his scholarship, stayed in school all four years, and, by outworking and outlasting others, made it to the pinnacle of football. He never gave up. Serendipitous? Hardly!
But there’s more to this story. Purdy has stated publicly that his “identity is in Jesus.” He admits that he once elevated the game of football above his relationship with the Lord, and only when he rearranged his priorities did his focus and peace of mind return. He’s quoted as saying, “The Lord is my rock and I will not be shaken.” That kind of faith makes winning or losing somewhat irrelevant.
People of the Jewish and Christian faiths understand this. The first of The Ten Commandments is this: “You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3; NIV).” Notice the lower case “g” in gods. Anything or anyone we place in a higher position than God, including ourselves, is just a god. A foolish idol. As many of us do, Purdy strayed from that commandment, but then orchestrated a course correction. Thank goodness for life’s mulligans–the gift of a second chance. Most of us need them from time to time!
Ironically, Purdy was injured in the NFC Championship game and saw limited playing time. The 49ers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, falling one win short of making it to this week’s Super Bowl. I suspect Brock Purdy hardly thinks such a shortfall is very relevant.
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“There’s always going to be the circumstances you can’t plan for. There’s always the unexpected relevance and the serendipity.”
–Jason Silva
Turns out Damar Hamlin isn’t the only feel-good story in the NFL this season. I’m referring to Brock Purdy, the first-year quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Purdy was drafted with the 262nd, and last, pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. For those of you who don’t live and breathe NFL Draft minutiae, the person chosen last is deemed “Mr. Irrelevant.” An afterthought, or “What the heck do we have to lose?” pick. Almost a joke.
The 49ers, however, thought differently. Over his four years at Iowa State, Purdy amassed huge passing numbers and set many school records. The team enjoyed four consecutive winning seasons for the first time in a century. And, just the fact that Brock stayed for four years told the San Francisco brain trust something about the young man’s character.
What happened this season was storybook quality. Purdy made the team but was relegated to third on the quarterback depth chart. Through a series of injuries to those ahead of him, in December he became the starting quarterback for six games–and won them all, taking the Niners to the NFC Championship game. He was suddenly no longer “Mr. Irrelevant,” at least to his team, teammates, and Niners fans.
That could be the end of the story, and it would seem enough. A college kid honored his scholarship, stayed in school all four years, and, by outworking and outlasting others, made it to the pinnacle of football. He never gave up. Serendipitous? Hardly!
But there’s more to this story. Purdy has stated publicly that his “identity is in Jesus.” He admits that he once elevated the game of football above his relationship with the Lord, and only when he rearranged his priorities did his focus and peace of mind return. He’s quoted as saying, “The Lord is my rock and I will not be shaken.” That kind of faith makes winning or losing somewhat irrelevant.
People of the Jewish and Christian faiths understand this. The first of The Ten Commandments is this: “You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3; NIV).” Notice the lower case “g” in gods. Anything or anyone we place in a higher position than God, including ourselves, is just a god. A foolish idol. As many of us do, Purdy strayed from that commandment, but then orchestrated a course correction. Thank goodness for life’s mulligans–the gift of a second chance. Most of us need them from time to time!
Ironically, Purdy was injured in the NFC Championship game and saw limited playing time. The 49ers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, falling one win short of making it to this week’s Super Bowl. I suspect Brock Purdy hardly thinks such a shortfall is very relevant.
8 Comments
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Wouldn’t it be great if all people in every walk of life could hear this young man speak about his faith. Even his coaches and trainers have stated how they admire his work ethic and how he puts things in perspective.
As Brock Purdy stated: “ ….and once you get the opportunity it’s what are you going to do with it. I believe in the Lord, and I trust him. I just go out there, and I just play. You have done well, “Mr. Professional NFL Quarterback”. Thanks Tim, a very inspirational Tuesday Thought. -
Wonderful perspective. I didn’t know Purdy was a believer and I felt so badly when he was injured. Knowing he is trusting Jesus there is no doubt he will rebound and be used of God in or out of football. He is a great example for young and old athelites. Thank you for sharing this. Blessings, Dyann
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Though a bit belated, I’ll echo Brads comments. Wouldn’t it be great if the media would make a point of talking about his faith which is clearly something that makes him Mr Revelant !
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Beautiful and inspiring story on Purdy! This young man is the epitome of a great role model for our young people today – he has his priorities in the right order, and puts his faith first, without hesitating to acknowledge that. What a refreshing story to hear! Great blog, Tim. I am a bit tardy in catching up here, but benefit so much from going back and reading your insights. I always glean positive energy from them!
Wouldn’t it be great if all people in every walk of life could hear this young man speak about his faith. Even his coaches and trainers have stated how they admire his work ethic and how he puts things in perspective.
As Brock Purdy stated: “ ….and once you get the opportunity it’s what are you going to do with it. I believe in the Lord, and I trust him. I just go out there, and I just play. You have done well, “Mr. Professional NFL Quarterback”. Thanks Tim, a very inspirational Tuesday Thought.
Thanks, Brad.
Thanks, Brad!
Wonderful perspective. I didn’t know Purdy was a believer and I felt so badly when he was injured. Knowing he is trusting Jesus there is no doubt he will rebound and be used of God in or out of football. He is a great example for young and old athelites. Thank you for sharing this. Blessings, Dyann
I suspect he’ll be just fine, Dyann. Thanks!
Though a bit belated, I’ll echo Brads comments. Wouldn’t it be great if the media would make a point of talking about his faith which is clearly something that makes him Mr Revelant !
Beautiful and inspiring story on Purdy! This young man is the epitome of a great role model for our young people today – he has his priorities in the right order, and puts his faith first, without hesitating to acknowledge that. What a refreshing story to hear! Great blog, Tim. I am a bit tardy in catching up here, but benefit so much from going back and reading your insights. I always glean positive energy from them!
If I were the head of marketing/PR for the NFL, I’d have Brock Purdy and Damar Hamlin front and center as the faces of the league!