Why Robert Griffin III Is Betting Big on Brock Purdy’s Untapped Potential

Here’s a question that keeps swirling in my mind: can Brock Purdy’s return to the 49ers’ huddle finally silence the quarterback chatter that’s been buzzing louder than a beehive in a heatwave? After a string of brutal injuries hollowed out San Francisco’s early-season promise, Purdy’s comeback wasn’t just anticipated—it felt like a lifeline. Sure, Mac Jones stepped up in spectacular fashion, throwing lasers and winning games, stirring up all sorts of debate about who really deserves the reins. But when Purdy tossed three touchdowns in his first game back, it wasn’t just a stat line—it was a statement. And when a guy like Robert Griffin III weighs in with a glowing endorsement, saying Purdy’s got that rare leadership spark to drag the Niners all the way to a Super Bowl throne, you’ve gotta sit up and take notice. So as San Francisco gears up for another Monday Night Football showdown, the big question isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about whether Purdy can keep fanning the flames of hope and prove that sometimes, the underdog really is the king of the hill.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. — (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

A lot of early-season hope was lost for the San Francisco 49ers as one star player after another was injured, including quarterback Brock Purdy, who made just his third start of the season in a Week 11 win at the Arizona Cardinals.

Backup Mac Jones played so well in Purdy’s absence that it created a bit of a quarterback controversy. But the starter quieted that noise by throwing three touchdowns in his return.

Jones made quite a statement by winning five of his eight starts and completing almost 70 percent of his passes for more than 2,100 yards. Though many people fell victim to recency bias, former NFL QB Robert Griffin III recently expressed his strong belief in Purdy.

“I’m telling y’all, Brock Purdy is a special player. I know he might not be the tallest, I know he might not have the strongest arm, I know he might not have all the measurables that you see from the Josh Allens and the Patrick Mahomes, but what Brock Purdy does have is the fact that he is the leader of that team. He makes big-time plays in big-time moments and he is gonna be their key to not only getting to a Super Bowl, but potentially bringing one back to San Francisco,” Griffin said.

Robert Griffin is a big believer in Brock Purdy:

“I’m telling y’all Brock Purdy is a special player. I know he might not be the tallest, I know he might not have the strongest arm, I know he might not have all the measurables that you see from the Josh Allens and the Patrick… pic.twitter.com/YNqLbkrw6A

— Coach Yac (@Coach_Yac) November 20, 2025

Jones reminded a lot of people about the reliable and effective system head coach Kyle Shanahan has created in San Francisco. It’s the one that turned Purdy from a forgotten seventh-round draft pick to a quarterback with a huge contract and a Super Bowl appearance.

The Niners have alternated wins and losses in their past eight games, and Purdy will look to win two in a row when they face the Carolina Panthers on “Monday Night Football.” As well as Jones played, there is no question about the franchise quarterback in San Francisco.

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