NFL News: 49ers QB Brock Purdy makes something clear about his relationship with Kyle Shanahan

Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy have formed one of the most solid duos in the NFL in recent years. While last season’s numbers may not have lived up to expectations for the San Francisco 49ers, their strong connection gives fans in the Bay Area plenty of reason to believe that big things could be on the horizon this upcoming season.

In this league, talent alone often isn’t enough. Teams also need a leader on the sidelines—someone who can command the game and inspire confidence. The role of a head coach goes far beyond drawing up plays; it’s about building trust, instilling belief, and putting players in the best position to showcase their talent on the field.

That’s something Brock Purdy truly values in his HC—especially after entering the league as one of the lowest draft picks in his class. Shanahan’s support has gone beyond the X’s and O’s, helping foster a strong personal bond between the two.

“We have open conversations about where I need to get better, what I’ve done well, what I need to continue to build on, who I need to elevate in the locker room,” Purdy said to Bay Area Radio Station 95.7 The Game. “We have all the talks about, how do I handle things relationally with teammates? He’s got a great perspective on a lot of things.

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Head coach Kyle Shanahan after defeating the Detroit Lions 34-31 in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.

“Hearing him tell me that, you know, he’s got my back and he’s in it with me for the long haul, and we want to do it together. We want to win together. And so to me, that means a lot. And I know he’s got my back and I got his,” he concluded.

see also

49ers QB Brock Purdy makes big statement after losing key players ahead of 2025 NFL season

Brock Purdy, the system quarterback

Since arriving in the NFL out of Iowa State, Brock Purdy has often been labeled by his own team as a ‘system quarterback’ or a ‘game manager’—a tag that, according to some, doesn’t quite match what he actually brings to the field on game day.

In a recent interview with the media, the quarterback himself responded to the label with a sense of humor—graciously accepting what he saw as a compliment.

“The whole system quarterback thing early in my career, it was just funny hearing that,” the 49ers QB said. “I’m not gonna lie, I took that as alright, like I’m a guy that can come in and do what the coach says and win games because of that.

“To me, that was more of a compliment, and I’ve sort of ran with that. Outside of that, I don’t buy into really anything anyone says. That’s been the story of my life, man. From being a late recruit from high school to college to the last draft pick, like, that’s the story of my life. I just continue to be who I am and not compare myself.”