“The lady didn’t even say my name on TV yet, but my name came across before. They all screamed and jumped up like I was a first-round pick.” The kid who once pranked his family on draft day by fake-crying about going undrafted is now the NFL’s ultimate Cinderella story. But this ain’t Disney—it’s the gridiron, where fairy tales are written in blood, sweat, and laser-guided dimes. This is a dude who out-dueled Tom Brady in his first start—making TB12 taste defeat against a rookie for the first time ever, and turned Iowa State’s record books into his personal diary (12,170 yards, 81 TDs). His game is a mix of precision and backyard-ball creativity, where every snap feels like a stanza in an underdog epic. It’s the one and only Brock Purdy.

“From pick No. 262 to $265 million.” When David Lombardi dropped that headline, it wasn’t just a flex—it was the mic-drop moment of Purdy’s underdog saga. The 49ers’ QB, once dubbed Mr. Irrelevant, just inked a five-year deal averaging $53 M annually, with $181 M guaranteed. Translation?

Purdy’s stats? Pure filth. Over 40 games, he’s racked up 9,518 passing yards, 64 TDs, and a 104.9 passer rating—numbers that scream “franchise QB” louder than a Lombardi Trophy clanging on the podium. Even in 2024’s 6-11 trainwreck season, where the 49ers’ O-line crumbled like a stale fortune cookie, Purdy still tossed 20 TDs and kept his composure smoother than a Steph Curry three at buzzer time.

“I’ve loved these three years with Brock,” Kyle Shanahan said post-2024, sounding like a coach who’d just found his forever QB1. “I plan on being with Brock here the whole time I’m here. Brock’s been a stud. He’s a guy I’ve got a lot of confidence in just as a human.” Spoiler: He wasn’t bluffing.

The contract’s genius? A staggered bonus structure that keeps Purdy’s 2025 cap hit under $10 M—a salary-cap Houdini act that’ll let the 49ers keep stacking weapons like they’re playing ‘Madden’ on rookie mode. It’s the ultimate win-win: Purdy gets generational wealth, and Shanahan gets to keep cooking up plays without worrying about the checkbook.

Off the field, Purdy’s the guy who reps foster kids through charity cleats and sips Yerbaé energy drinks between Bible verses. His $265 M deal isn’t just a paycheck—it’s proof that draft slots mean squat when grit meets opportunity. As Purdy himself put it: “It’s all about proving I belong here, every single game.”

Post Purdy’s payday: Greg Joseph joins the squad

But let’s pivot from confetti to reality. While Purdy’s cashing checks his play earned, the 49ers’ kicking game last season was about as reliable as a TikTok trend. Enter Jake Moody, the 2023 third-rounder who started hotter than Buffalo Wings (13-of-14 FGs) before a high-ankle sprain turned his groove into a grind.

Post-injury? A grim 11-of-20 on field goals, including a ‘yikes’-inducing 5-of-14 from 40+ yards. Cue Greg Joseph, the 30-year-old journeyman who’s kicked for half the league but brings a résumé that reads ‘clutch gene included.’

Joseph’s 2024 stats (16-of-20 FGs, 11-of-11 XPs) ain’t eye-popping, but his career 82.3 percent FG rate—and a 61-yard walk-off for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022—scream ‘ice in his veins.’ Shanahan’s message to Moody? Clearer than a Jerry Rice route: ‘Compete or ride the pine.’ “I still feel the same about him that he can still be our guy. I think he’s had a tough year. I think before his high ankle sprain he was 12-of-13, so I thought he was doing really well. Since he’s come back, he’s hasn’t been as consistent obviously. But I think a lot of that probably has to do with that just common sense wise.” he added, anyway Greg’s been there. Jake’s got the talent. Now let’s see who wants it more.

Joseph’s arrival isn’t just a roster move—it’s a culture reset. Think The Last of Us‘ Joel whispering, Endure and survive. For Moody, it’s a chance to prove last year’s slump was a fluke. For Joseph? A shot to cement his legacy as the 49ers’ late-game savior. And for Shanahan?

Another chess move in his quest to build a dynasty that’s as sustainable as Purdy’s pocket presence. In a league where relevance fades faster than a halftime lead, the 49ers aren’t just rebuilding—they’re rewriting the script. And if Purdy’s journey teaches us anything? Never bet against the underdog. Especially when he’s got $181 M reasons to ball out.