Purdy Nominated For Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY

AMES, Iowa – Former Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy is one of four finalists for the ESPY Award for Best Breakthrough Athlete following his exploits while leading the San Francisco 49ers last season.

Purdy, who broke or tied nearly every record as a Cyclone from 2018-21 and was later the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, broke onto the scene late in his rookie season.

Purdy entered the conversation in Week 13 completing 25-of-37 passes for two touchdowns against Miami. He started the next game against Tampa Bay and defeated Tom Brady and the Buccaneers and never looked back in going 5-0 during the regular season as a starter.

In the playoffs, Purdy was 37-for-59 passing for three touchdowns and no turnovers in leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship game after wins against Seattle and Dallas. He was injured on the first drive of the game against Philadelphia.

He finished his rookie campaign completing 67.1 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

The other finalists for Best Breakthrough Athlete are Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners), Angel Reese (LSU) and Caitlin Clark (Iowa).

The 2023 ESPYS Presented by Capital One will air July 12 at 7 p.m. (CT) on ABC. Fans can vote by clicking here.