Brock Purdy’s journey from “Mr. Irrelevant” to San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback and Super Bowl contender is a captivating story of perseverance and talent. Central to this journey is the unwavering support of the Brock Purdy Family, particularly his parents, Shawn and Carrie Purdy. They have been his steadfast cheerleaders, from his first football throws to packed stadiums echoing his name. It was this very support that brought Shawn Purdy to tears during Brock’s first NFL start in December 2022, a moment that resonated with fans and highlighted the deep family bond.
For Brock, having his family witness his improbable rise has been profoundly meaningful. He emphasized to CBS Bay Area the importance of his family’s belief in him through the “ups and downs” inherent in a quarterback’s career. Their constant encouragement, even after he was drafted last, fueled his determination. “They’ve always been telling me, ‘You’re good enough and we know that you can do it,'” Brock shared, reflecting on his parents’ enduring faith. This bedrock of family support continued as Shawn and Carrie watched Brock compete in Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024, marking another milestone in his remarkable career, regardless of the game’s outcome against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Arizona Move: A Foundation for Family and Athletic Pursuits
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Brock Purdy pictured with his supportive parents, Shawn and Carrie Purdy, during his high school football days in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Purdy family’s roots in Arizona were intentionally planted by Shawn and Carrie. Despite Shawn’s Florida upbringing and Carrie’s California background, they chose Phoenix as their family’s home base. Carrie explained to The Athletic in 2019 that Phoenix was their “compromise,” and a decision they grew to love. Shawn’s prior baseball training in the region, coupled with Phoenix’s renowned athletic programs, created an ideal environment for their children. The consistent climate allowed for year-round sports training, and the exposure to prominent sports and educational institutions significantly benefited Brock’s burgeoning career. Away from the sports fields, Shawn and Carrie manage their family business, Fantastic Spa Outlet, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit alongside their dedication to family and athletics.
Shawn Purdy: From Minor League Pitcher to Supportive Father
Shawn Purdy’s athletic background deeply influenced his children’s lives. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1987, Shawn had an eight-season minor league baseball career as a right-handed pitcher. The Athletic highlights his impressive record of starting 70 games and saving 40 across various teams, including minor league affiliates of the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and the California Angels. His college baseball journey spanned Valencia Community College, Indian State River College, and the University of Miami, demonstrating his commitment to the sport. This personal experience in professional sports provided Shawn with invaluable insights to guide Brock and his siblings in their athletic pursuits.
A Family of Athletes: Siblings in Sports
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The Purdy siblings, Brock, Chubba, and Whittney, united by their shared passion for sports and athletic achievements.
Athleticism is a defining trait of the Brock Purdy family. All three Purdy children embraced sports, following in their father’s footsteps. Whittney, the eldest, excelled in softball at Southeastern University. Brock and his younger brother Chubba (Preston) both chose football, with Chubba currently playing quarterback for the University of Nebraska. The Athletic notes that Shawn and Carrie emphasized commitment and effort over perfection in sports. This philosophy fostered a supportive yet competitive environment, pushing the Purdy children to excel. The family anecdotes reveal a playful rivalry, like Brock’s early frustration with Whittney’s throwing ability, highlighting the encouraging competition within the Brock Purdy family.
Carrie Purdy: The Energetic Force
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Brock Purdy and his mother Carrie Purdy in a prom photo, illustrating the energetic maternal influence in his life.
While Brock may have inherited athletic genes from his father, he credits his energetic spirit to his mother, Carrie. Brock told The Athletic that Carrie is the family’s energy source, keeping everyone engaged and motivated. He acknowledges inheriting this trait from her. However, their dynamic also includes Brock occasionally reminding Carrie to “chill,” as she admitted on the Sports Spectrum Podcast in 2023, showcasing a balanced and loving mother-son relationship within the Brock Purdy family.
Overcoming Adversity: Family Support During Injury
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Brock Purdy is seen celebrating a win alongside his mother Carrie and sister Whittney, demonstrating the family’s collective support system.
Brock Purdy’s promising rookie season faced a significant hurdle when he tore his UCL in the 2023 NFC Championship Game. This injury required surgery and extensive rehabilitation. During this challenging period, the Brock Purdy family, especially his father Shawn, provided crucial support. Shawn’s personal experience with a similar injury in his baseball career enabled him to offer valuable advice and empathy. Brock shared with NBC Sports Bay Area that Shawn emphasized patience throughout the recovery process. Shawn also connected Brock with his own rehab team, providing a network of support. Carrie and Shawn collectively encouraged Brock to remain present and focused on his rehabilitation, advice Brock highlighted in the 49ers’ “Brick by Brick” video series in August 2023, emphasizing the importance of family guidance in navigating career setbacks.
Number 13: A Father-Son Connection to Dan Marino
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A heartwarming image of Brock Purdy with his father, Shawn Purdy, illustrating the strong father-son relationship and shared love for football.
Brock Purdy’s jersey number, 13, carries a sentimental connection to his father and his childhood football hero, Dan Marino. Growing up a Miami Dolphins fan due to Shawn’s long-standing fandom, Brock was born while Shawn watched Marino play. Father and son spent hours studying Marino’s game, and Brock chose to wear No. 13 in homage to the Hall of Fame quarterback. In a special NFL-organized interview, Brock finally met Marino and shared a favorite family anecdote: “My dad always said I got to see you play the day I was born,” a testament to the enduring influence of both Marino and Shawn on Brock’s football journey and jersey choice within the Brock Purdy family narrative.
Sideline Supporters: Family at Every Game
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Brock Purdy pictured with his family before a game against the Arizona Cardinals, emphasizing the Brock Purdy family’s unwavering support at his games.
Shawn and Carrie Purdy are fixtures at San Francisco 49ers games, both home and away, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to supporting Brock. In January 2024, they witnessed their son lead the 49ers to an NFC Championship victory, securing a Super Bowl LVIII appearance. They were the first to embrace Brock after the game, celebrating this monumental achievement as a family. The following month, they traveled to Las Vegas to cheer him on at the Super Bowl, highlighting the Brock Purdy family’s consistent presence throughout his career milestones.
Celebrating Milestones: Brock Purdy’s Wedding
The Brock Purdy family’s bond extends beyond the football field. In March 2024, Shawn and Carrie, along with the entire family, celebrated Brock’s wedding to Jenna Brandt in Des Moines, Iowa. This occasion marked another significant family milestone, underscoring the importance of family unity and support in Brock Purdy’s life, both professionally and personally. The Brock Purdy family stands as a testament to the power of familial support in nurturing talent and character, playing an undeniable role in Brock Purdy’s inspiring NFL journey.
