CNN
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In Mr. Irrelevant 2022 NFL Draft To spoil Tom Brady’s homecoming, San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Brock Purdy saw it all following Sunday’s 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 22-year-old Purdy threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns, outdoing Brady. Purdy also added a rushing touchdown. While his family was at Levi’s Stadium to watch his first start, the Fox broadcast showed Purdy’s father getting emotional following his first touchdown pass.
Purdy, the last pick in this year’s draft out of Iowa State, was called “Mr. Irrelevant,” but was thrust into contention last week after quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo broke his leg against the Miami Dolphins.
After the game, Purdy called it “surreal” to be playing on the same field as Brady.
“It’s like standing there and talking to guys like ‘Tom Brady’ and cheering guys on,” Purdy told reporters with a big smile on his face.
“It was pretty cool for him to have respect for what I did today, I’m not going to lie. Being a little kid, watching that guy kill it all these years and winning Super Bowls and finally being able to give him a high five or something, I thought it was pretty cool.
Purdy noted the importance of having his family there and their never-ending support.
“Throughout my life, in general, the ups and downs of playing quarterback in high school and college, they people at home believe in you, they always see the best in you. They believed in me when I was the last draft pick.
Brady finished with 253 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, struggling to find his rhythm.
Brady, 45, praised Purdy’s performance after the game, saying he “played well.”
“Threw a lot of good balls,” Brady told reporters. “Hang in there on the blitz, they did a good job, they did a good job.”
Brady, of San Mateo, California, had his family on hand Sunday, but he wished the team had done a better job.
“Love having everybody here,” Brady said. “I am happy that my family has come closer. I think many people came from the neighborhood. Unfortunately this isn’t going to change the outcome of the game.
Fox Sideline reporter Erin Andrews said before kickoff that Brady requested 100 tickets to Sunday’s game for friends and family.
The 49ers improved to 9-4 with the win, while the Buccaneers fell to 6-7 on the season.
San Francisco has a quick turnaround as it is scheduled to travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks on Thursday night. Tampa hosts the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday.
