Brock Purdy’s journey to Super Bowl LVIII is far from ordinary. As the only Mr. Irrelevant in history to throw an NFL pass and lead his team to the biggest stage in football, Purdy’s unconventional path may just be the blueprint for future success.
Purdy’s story began long before he stepped foot on an NFL field. He honed his skills in flag football, playing the game until the age of 12 before transitioning to tackle football. According to the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, his experience in flag football was instrumental in shaping his career and preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead.
In a recent Super Bowl press conference, Purdy shared his belief in the benefits of starting with flag football. “Any time I’m talking to family and friends, I always encourage kids growing up to start off with flag football,” he said. “Play as long as they can to help develop those kinds of skills.”
The skills Purdy refers to are centered around quickness and quick thinking, attributes he has displayed consistently throughout his two seasons with the 49ers. Known for his solid decision-making and underrated scrambling ability, Purdy credits his years in flag football for developing these crucial traits.
“I played up until I was about 12, and I think it just helped with the speed of the game,” Purdy explained. “It was a quick game. I think hand-eye coordination, all that kind of stuff really did develop for me throughout my years of playing flag football.”
Purdy also emphasized the impact flag football had on his agility and movement on the field. “Being able to juke and cut and move in certain ways, just from the way the sport is, helped me for tackle football,” he said. “I feel like when I started playing tackle football it was a little slower, actually. Because of just the pace of the game compared to flag.”
Flag football itself is experiencing a surge in popularity and participation across the United States. The sport has gained such momentum that it will make its debut in the 2028 Summer Olympics. Additionally, at the recent NFL Honors, Allison Gandlin and Ryder Noche made history as the first girls’ and boys’ NFL FLAG Players of the Year.
Purdy’s success story serves as a testament to the viability of flag football as a starting point for aspiring NFL players. It provides a solid foundation for developing essential skills and prepares young athletes for the challenges they will face in tackle football.
As Purdy prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, his journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. His unconventional path from flag football to NFL stardom proves that with dedication, determination, and the right starting point, dreams can become a reality. So, for all the young football enthusiasts out there, consider flag football as your stepping stone to greatness.