The NFL world has been buzzing about Brock Purdy since he took over as a rookie quarterback following Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury and led his San Francisco 49ers to an improbable run at the NFC Championship. However, some skeptical voices asked whether this was another flash in the pan. But after the Niners lost their Super Bowl against the Chiefs, there isn’t a better endorsement than having your name mentioned by this respected coaching guru.

Andy Reid knows elite quarterback play when he sees it after coaching greats like Patrick Mahomes. Big Red had high praise for how Purdy performed on football’s biggest stage despite the defeat.

Andy Reid’s ultimate endorsement: “Brock Purdy’s got the ‘it’ factor”

In a sit-down with former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst John Middlekauff, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid did not hold back his words when asked about Brock Purdy’s impressive showing in Super Bowl LVII. “There’s no fraud when you’re in the NFL. You’re either good or you’re not. If you’re not just able to get in there and throw the passes like you were throwing them with accuracy and being composed in the Huddle… in the pocket and with 300 lb men trying to rip your head off I mean those things just don’t happen unless you’re good so he’s a good player.”

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Reid knows what the “it factor” looks like. His words echoed Mahomes’ praise for Purdy after the Super Bowl, with the MVP quarterback telling reporters, “I watched him play — I watch the Big 12 a lot, so I watched him play a ton. He was a winner and he made plays happen all through his college career.”

“I was really impressed by his poise and decision-making,” Reid elaborated on what caught his eye from Purdy. “He never looked rattled, even when we were getting pressure on him. Just really mature playmaking from a young guy in that huge situation.” For a coaching legend who has overseen so many huge games, this analysis from Reid should hush any lingering doubts about whether Purdy is a real-deal starting quarterback.

Read More: Does Brock Purdy Get a Bonus? How Much Will 49ers’ QB Make After Super Bowl Loss?

Reid’s admiration made perfect sense considering Purdy’s storybook rise through the ranks this season. Just one year after being the very last player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy went from “Mr. Irrelevant” to leading the 49ers’ playoff charge after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Purdy made headlines when he showed great courage in the NFC Championship game in San Francisco.

From “Mr. Irrelevant” to earning a coaching legend’s respect

While Purdy came up just short of winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy, earning Andy Reid’s respect is about as high of an honor as it gets for the 24-year-old Iowa State product. Purdy’s unlikely journey now sees him standing side-by-side with the greats in Reid’s eyes.

Reid’s stamp of approval also adds an intriguing wrinkle to what could be a quarterback contention once Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo are healthy. Will the 49ers roll with the more experienced veteran options? Or could Reid’s praise embolden San Francisco to hand the keys to Purdy entirely after he seized the moment?

No matter how it shakes out, Purdy’s emergence from draft afterthought to earning kudos from a coaching legend makes for one of the most remarkable underdog stories in recent NFL history. Having capitalized on his chance, Purdy has positioned himself to be a franchise quarterback for years — an opportunity few “Mr. Irrelevants” ever get.

Read More: Super Bowl LVIII: How Brock Purdy Will Make History as San Francisco Starting QB