Very few rookie quarterbacks have been able to lead their new NFL teams deep into the playoffs. Moving from college football to the professional ranks is a steep learning curve. However, some quarterbacks have bucked the trend. Brock Purdy is only the fourth quarterback since the turn of the century to lead his team to a conference championship. Who else joins the 49ers quarterback on the list?
Purdy is unbeaten in first seven starts
Rookie quarterbacks in the NFL face a tough challenge: adjusting to the pro level while leading a team and living up to expectations. However, some have been successful and have led their teams to conference championships in their first year.
One of the most recent examples is Brock Purdy, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who will play in the NFC Championship Game this year. Purdy, the last pick in the NFL Draft (Mr. Irrelevant), took over at midseason following injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. He has gone to a 7-0 record with the 49ers and now to the NFC Championship after defeating the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Purdy in elite company
Other notable examples include Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. He led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the AFC Championship game despite being pushed into the starting role after injury. Roethlisberger, a first round pick, led the team to a 15-1 regular season record. The Big Ben Steelers were crushed by the New England Patriots.
Brock Purdy is only the fifth QB to reach an NFL Conference Championship in his rookie season ????????
How does he compare to these guys in his college career and in the NFL? ???? pic.twitter.com/Nk5II4z0NM
— College Football FOX (@CFBONFOX) January 23, 2023
Joe Flacco did it too in 2008. He led the Baltimore Ravens to the AFC Championship Game as a rookie, where they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He took over as the starter early in the season and led the team to an 11-5 record.
Mark Sanchez in 2009, led the New York Jets to the AFC Championship Game in his first year. Sanchez, a first-round pick, was another quarterback who took over as a starter early in the season and led the team to a 9-7 record. The Jets ultimately lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship, but it was an excellent run from Sanchez.
These examples show that while rare, rookie quarterbacks can lead their teams to conference championships in their first year. It takes a unique combination of talent, hard work, and leadership. Purdy, despite not being a high draft pick, has proven to be a valuable asset for the 49ers.
