San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has drawn a striking comparison to Tom Brady from former NFL offensive lineman Damien Woody, who called Purdy "Brady-esque" for his mental approach to the game. Speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Woody praised Purdy’s ability to process the field quickly and exploit defenses with his intelligence, placing him among the best in the league at reading the game.
“I think he is one of, if not the best, processors that we have in the National Football League,” Woody said. “The way he sees the field and is able to process in such a short period of time, I think that's what makes him, in my mind, an elite quarterback.”
Woody, who played alongside Brady from 2000 to 2003 during the early years of Brady’s career with the New England Patriots, emphasized that Purdy’s mental game sets him apart. “His mind is elite. It’s Brady-esque the way he uses his mind to exploit defenses. I’m telling you, the combination of him and Kyle Shanahan, boy, that’s a weapon. It’s an absolute weapon.”
Through the first three weeks of the 2026 NFL season, Purdy’s performance has backed up Woody’s assessment. The 49ers are 3-0 with Purdy at the helm, boasting a 72.3% completion rate on 789 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and just one interception. These numbers come despite the team coping with a roster battered by injuries, particularly on the offensive side, underscoring Purdy’s impact under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system.
Unlike Brady, who was never known for athleticism but rather his sharp mind and poise in the pocket, Purdy combines his high football IQ with mobility. Woody noted Purdy’s underrated athleticism, saying, “He can use his legs and get out of trouble and make plays with his legs. But it’s his mind that is elite.”
The 49ers’ offense benefits from this blend of skills, and the partnership between Purdy and Shanahan continues to draw attention. Shanahan’s play-calling has long been praised for its creativity and adaptability, and Purdy’s ability to quickly read defenses complements it well. The duo’s effectiveness has become a defining story for San Francisco this season.
Woody’s endorsement carries weight given his firsthand experience with Brady during the formative years of one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks. His comparison places Purdy in rare company for a young player still early in his professional career.
San Francisco’s strong start to the season has raised expectations, with Purdy’s decision-making and composure standing out. The 49ers’ offense has shown resilience amid adversity, and Purdy’s growing confidence appears to be a significant factor in their success so far.
The latest comments from Woody add another layer to the conversation about Purdy’s potential, highlighting the mental side of his game as the foundation for his early achievements in the NFL.
According to Yahoo Sports.
