San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is determined to stay focused on the job as he prepares for his first Super Bowl experience.
Purdy has gone from being last pick of the 2022 draft to taking centre stage in Las Vegas on Sunday when he goes up against Kansas City Chiefs main man Patrick Mahomes, who is preparing for his fourth NFL title match in the space of five years .
The 24-year-old, though, intends to play the game rather than get swept up in the occasion.
Brock Purdy discusses his mindset going into #SBLVIII. pic.twitter.com/ziVfCkbOFU
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 8, 2024
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“There’s a fine line of it for sure,” Purdy said.
“Obviously studying and being prepared for every little situation and circumstance and being able to answer those questions right, but also, being able to enjoy the game.
“We are in the Super Bowl. You dream of this as a kid growing up, every kid dreamed of playing in this game.”
Purdy told a press conference: “It is a fine line, but man, at the end of the day this is something that we have all dream of growing up. You have to be grateful for it and have fun with it.”
#SBLVIII QBs on the big stage. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Q4or2ParLJ
Advertisement— NFL (@NFL) February 8, 2024
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan feels Purdy’s humility is one of his greatest strengths.
“I think that’s the most special thing about Brock – he doesn’t really have to change much because that’s really who he is,” Shanahan said.
“He’s one of the most humble people I’ve ever met. I’ve talked about the solid foundation he has for who he is.
“When he came into the league, being the third quarterback, being the starter, what he has done this year, he is still the same guy he was on day one.”
George Kittle and Arik Armstead returned to team workouts in a limited capacity as the #49ers opened up the practice week at UNLV.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 8, 2024
The 49ers started a three-day practise week at their University of Nevada Las Vegas base, with tight end George Kittle and defensive lineman Arik Armstead back in the fold following their injury lay-offs.
Cornerback Ambry Thomas and linebacker Oren Burks also did limited work as they continue their own recovery.
Tackle Trent Williams was the only player to not train because of his normal veteran rest day.
Since reaching the 2019 Super Bowl, where they were beaten 31-20 by the Chiefs, the 49ers have continued to be regulars in the play-offs, but had came up short in their two previous NFC Championship Game appearances.
Having taken the extra step again this season, Shanahan is determined to go out on a high.
“Everything is trying to get to the last week, and we did get to this last week,” Shanahan said.
“Friday will be our last practice and Sunday will be our last game.
“You are always hoping you are the team that wins that last game, so that is our goal this week.”
