Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, the San Francisco 49ers have secured their second Super Bowl appearance in four years, with quarterback Brock Purdy emerging as a central figure in their journey.
RELATED:
- Super Bowl 2024: date, time, halftime show and everything you want to know
- What time is the Super Bowl 2024 starting? How to watch online and TV channel in the USA
- Super Bowl Halftime Show 2024: What we know so far about this year's Halftime Show
- Super Bowl Winners List: All the teams that have ever won the Super Bowl
As the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy defied expectations to become a key player for the 49ers, overcoming obstacles at every turn. From earning recognition at Perry High School to establishing himself as a starting quarterback at Iowa State, Purdy's resilience and determination have been evident throughout his football career.
However, the road to the Super Bowl was perhaps his most daunting challenge yet. Facing a significant halftime deficit against the Detroit Lions, Purdy and the 49ers rallied in the second half, mounting an impressive comeback to secure the victory. Despite the adversity they faced, Purdy remained grateful for the journey and credited higher powers for guiding him.
Hence, Purdy will make history as the third youngest quarterback to start in NFL history when he takes the field for Super Bowl LVIII.
How many rookies have won Super Bowl MVP?
In NFL history, only six rookie quarterbacks have won their first playoff game, with none making it to the Super Bowl. Two other players, Dieter Brock and Pat Haden, technically rookies in the NFL, won their first playoff games after playing in other football leagues.
Despite rookie quarterbacks coming close to winning Super Bowl MVP, none have achieved the feat. Kurt Warner, though not a rookie, was named Super Bowl MVP in his first year as a starter for the St. Louis Rams, having gone undrafted the year before.
Similarly, Tom Brady won Super Bowl MVP in his first year as a starter for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI, but he didn't qualify as a rookie since he was drafted the year prior.
