How 49ers QB Purdy of Mr. Irrelevant went to Toyota spokesperson originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Brock Purdy’s NFL journey takes another major step on Sunday when his new “Tackle Anything” ad campaign, in partnership with Toyota Dealers of Northern California, debuts during the 49ers’ game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Purdy is the latest Bay Area sports star to serve as a Toyota brand ambassador, as former Giants catcher Buster Posey and legendary 49ers quarterback Steve Young have held the role in the past.
“California Live” host Jobeth Devera recently spoke with Trey Curtola, president of H/L Advertising, about why Purdy was the right person for the campaign.
“Here comes Brock Purdy, out of nowhere, onto the scene, and became the darling of the NFL, then got hurt, and then came back, and is the darling of the NFL again,” Curtola told Devera. “So on that trip that he went on, we were talking to his agent because it really seemed like his character was something that we would typically look for in line with the Toyota brand. And it was a good fit, and he’s 23 years old.
“He’s still young, and what he’s done so far, especially his rise from that draft to where he is today, is an incredible story, an incredible journey, and we wanted to join that, but more importantly, in are in line with its brand and its character.”
The 49ers used the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, known as Mr. Irrelevant, on Purdy and brought him into last year’s training camp as the fourth quarterback. But by the time the season rolled around, he worked his way to No. 3 on the depth chart.
Season-ending injuries suffered by starter Trey Lance and backup Jimmy Garoppolo forced Purdy into action just seven months after he was called up.
The stretch didn’t overwhelm the Iowa State product as he led the 49ers to six straight wins to close out the 2022 regular season, including five straight starts. He then helped San Francisco beat the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs before a UCL injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game ended his season.
RELATED: Mr. Relevant: Brock Purdy’s NFL story
But just six months after undergoing elbow surgery, Purdy was back on the field to lead the 49ers to a Week 1 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Toyota has this mantra: ‘There is no best, only better with constant improvement,’ and Brock kind of has that, coming from Mr. Irrelevant to get where he is today as the starting quarterback on one of the best teams in the NFL. He just wants to keep getting better,” Dave Johnston, president of Toyota Dealers of Northern California, told Devera. “And we just felt it was a good fit.”
Purdy’s story is just beginning and Toyota will be riding with the QB.
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