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Former 49ers QB Alex Smith Praises Brock Purdys Maturity and Preparation on Krueg Show
On Saturday, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith sat down with Larry Krueger on the Krueg Show to talk about the unlikely rise of rookie‑turned‑star Brock Purdy. Smith said Purdy is “so prepared” and has a “great perspective on the game,” noting that the young quarterback “processes and compartmentalizes” like a veteran.
The comments come after Purdy’s dramatic ascent from the 262nd pick of the 2022 NFL Draft—known as Mr. Irrelevant—to the starting quarterback for the 49ers in his rookie season. His performance earned the team a division title and an NFC Championship Game appearance, and he led the league in several passing categories in 2023, including a passer rating of 113.0 and 31 touchdown passes.
Smith, who was selected first overall by the 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft, played 16 seasons in the league, seven of them with San Francisco. He guided the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2011 and later played for Kansas City and Washington. After a life‑threatening leg injury in 2018, Smith returned in 2020, earned a division title with the Redskins, and retired in 2021.
Purdy’s journey has been marked by resilience. In his rookie year, injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo gave him the starting role, and he won all five games he started. He continued as the starter in 2023, leading the 49ers to a repeat division title and a Super Bowl appearance. Despite a season‑ending stinger injury in December 2023, Purdy returned in the 2024 season and has maintained high performance.
Smith’s remarks highlight Purdy’s maturity, a quality he says is rare for a player of Purdy’s age. “I’m blown away when I talk to him for the first time and think he’s 35 or 40,” Smith said, echoing comments from other 49ers personnel who have praised Purdy’s composure.
The 49ers’ coaching staff has also lauded Purdy’s work ethic. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has described Purdy as a “product of the system” who has adapted quickly to the team’s offensive scheme. Purdy’s ability to manage the game and make accurate throws has been cited as a key factor in the 49ers’ recent success.
Looking ahead, the 49ers will rely on Purdy to lead the offense in the 2026 season. The team’s front office has not announced any major roster moves that would alter Purdy’s role, and the 49ers are focusing on maintaining their competitive position in the NFC West.
In summary, Alex Smith’s comments on the Krueg Show underscore Brock Purdy’s rapid development from a late‑round draft pick to a mature, prepared quarterback who has become a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers’ offense. The 49ers will continue to build around Purdy’s leadership as they aim for another playoff run in the coming season.
The comments come after Purdy’s dramatic ascent from the 262nd pick of the 2022 NFL Draft—known as Mr. Irrelevant—to the starting quarterback for the 49ers in his rookie season. His performance earned the team a division title and an NFC Championship Game appearance, and he led the league in several passing categories in 2023, including a passer rating of 113.0 and 31 touchdown passes.
Smith, who was selected first overall by the 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft, played 16 seasons in the league, seven of them with San Francisco. He guided the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2011 and later played for Kansas City and Washington. After a life‑threatening leg injury in 2018, Smith returned in 2020, earned a division title with the Redskins, and retired in 2021.
Purdy’s journey has been marked by resilience. In his rookie year, injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo gave him the starting role, and he won all five games he started. He continued as the starter in 2023, leading the 49ers to a repeat division title and a Super Bowl appearance. Despite a season‑ending stinger injury in December 2023, Purdy returned in the 2024 season and has maintained high performance.
Smith’s remarks highlight Purdy’s maturity, a quality he says is rare for a player of Purdy’s age. “I’m blown away when I talk to him for the first time and think he’s 35 or 40,” Smith said, echoing comments from other 49ers personnel who have praised Purdy’s composure.
The 49ers’ coaching staff has also lauded Purdy’s work ethic. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has described Purdy as a “product of the system” who has adapted quickly to the team’s offensive scheme. Purdy’s ability to manage the game and make accurate throws has been cited as a key factor in the 49ers’ recent success.
Looking ahead, the 49ers will rely on Purdy to lead the offense in the 2026 season. The team’s front office has not announced any major roster moves that would alter Purdy’s role, and the 49ers are focusing on maintaining their competitive position in the NFC West.
In summary, Alex Smith’s comments on the Krueg Show underscore Brock Purdy’s rapid development from a late‑round draft pick to a mature, prepared quarterback who has become a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers’ offense. The 49ers will continue to build around Purdy’s leadership as they aim for another playoff run in the coming season.
