"Brock should 100% be in that conversation" - 49ers George Kittle wants Brock Purdy to win NFL OROY
Brock Purdy began the 2022 NFL season as the third-string quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. He was thrust into the starting role after both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo went down with injuries. Purdy has responded by going undefeated during his six starts this season, while helping the 49ers earn the second seed in the NFC for the NFL Playoffs this year.
His incredible play has resulted in a ton of support from his teammates. The 49ers appear to fully believe in the abilities of their rookie quarterback as he has proved his value on the football field. Brock Purdy first entered the lineup with relatively low expectations but has far exceeded them.
Tight end George Kittle recently made a bold statement about his quarterback during a recent press conference. He was asked if Brock Purdy deserves consideration for the NFL Rookie of the Year award.
Here's how Kittle responded:
"I don't see how he's not. I mean, he hasn't lost. He's put up great numbers. He doesn't have very many turnovers. He has touchdowns. He has passing yards. And he's on a hot streak. So, I think Brock should 100% be in that conversation. I know other guys played the entire season. But for a rookie quarterback to come in and play the way that he has, that's pretty special. And I don't really know anyone else that's played at the level he's played at."
George Kittle has high praise for his quarterback and while his statement may sound extreme at first, he may be onto something. Purdy has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL since taking over as the 49ers starting quarterback in Week 13.
Since entering the lineup, Purdy has led the NFL with six wins and 13 passing touchdowns, while posting a league-best 112 passer rating. This includes all NFL players, not just rookies.
Can Brock Purdy win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award?
While there's no denying Brock Purdy has been spectacular during the 2022 NFL season, he's still apparently a longshot to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, according to his betting odds. This is likely because he has only appeared in six games this season. Had he been a starter all year and kept up this same high level of play, he likely would have easily run away with the award.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (-110) is the current favorite. He is followed by New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (+150). Brock Purdy (+500) comes in at a distant third place and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (+2000) rounds out the top four. While anything is possible, the odds imply that the award will go to either Walker or Wilson.