Brock Purdy’s rise from the final pick of the 2022 NFL draft to Super Bowl quarterback has been anchored by the steady presence of his parents, Carrie and Shawn Purdy. The couple’s unwavering support, business partnership, and athletic background helped shape the 49ers signal-caller both on and off the field.
At a Glance
- Shawn Purdy, a former minor-league pitcher, guided Brock through a career-threatening elbow injury using his own rehab experience.
- The family moved to Phoenix for year-round training and proximity to elite sports programs.
- Carrie runs Fantastic Spa Outlet with Shawn while cheering loudest from the stands.
- Why it matters: Their hands-on involvement shows how a tight-knit family can fuel an athlete’s climb to football’s biggest stage.
From the Diamond to the Gridiron
Shawn Purdy’s baseball journey began in 1987 when the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted the right-hander out of high school. Over eight minor-league seasons he logged 70 starts and 40 saves while playing in the systems of the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and California Angels. After hanging up his cleats, Shawn and Carrie chose Phoenix as the place to raise their three children, trading Florida humidity and California traffic for desert sunshine that allowed year-round practices. “He wasn’t going to California, and I wasn’t going to Florida. This was our compromise. And we love it,” Carrie told The Athletic.
The decision paid dividends. All three Purdy kids became athletes: daughter Whittney starred in softball at Southeastern University, middle-child Brock emerged as a quarterback, and youngest son Chubba now plays the same position at the University of Nebraska. Backyard competitions were common; Whittney’s powerful arm often left Brock frustrated yet motivated. “She could launch it,” the family recalled.
Energy, Patience, and No. 13
Brock credits his on-field spark to his mom. “My mom … she’s always going to keep everyone on our toes. She brings the energy to the family, so I think I definitely get that kind of trait from her,” he said. Carrie’s enthusiasm sometimes required dialing back. “Brock’s favorite words to me are ‘Mom, chill,'” she laughed on the Sports Spectrum Podcast.
Shawn’s influence shows up in jersey number. A lifelong Miami Dolphins fan, Shawn watched Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino the day Brock was born, Dec. 27, 1999. Father and son studied Marino’s film together, prompting Brock to adopt No. 13 in homage. When the NFL arranged a conversation between the two quarterbacks, Brock greeted Marino with Shawn’s favorite quip: “My dad always said I got to see you play the day I was born.”
Overcoming the Setback
Brock’s breakout 2022 campaign ended abruptly when he tore his right ulnar collateral ligament in the 2023 NFC Championship Game. Shawn, who had endured the same injury during his baseball days, became Brock’s personal consultant, calling former trainers to map out a recovery plan. “You got to have patience. There’s a process to this. You can’t overnight, all of the sudden heal up,” Shawn advised. Carrie stressed mindfulness, urging her son to stay present during rehab. “Handle rehab right now, everything will fall into place,” Brock summarized.
Always in the Stands
Shawn and Carrie rarely miss a 49ers game, traveling to both home and away venues. After the 2024 NFC Championship victory they were the first people to embrace their son on the field. One month later they watched from Las Vegas as Brock competed in Super Bowl LVIII. The couple balances road trips with running Fantastic Spa Outlet, their Phoenix-based pool business.
A New Generation
The Purdy family tree expanded in July 2025 when Brock and wife Jenna Brandt welcomed daughter Millie Joleen. “Life just became a whole lot sweeter,” the couple posted beneath the newborn’s first photo. Grandparents Carrie and Shawn now juggle grand-parent duties with continuing to cheer on No. 13 every Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Shawn’s pro-baseball experience provided a blueprint for Brock’s injury comeback.
- Carrie’s high energy keeps the family-and the quarterback-motivated.
- Phoenix’s climate and competitive sports scene proved pivotal in developing all three athletic siblings.
- From draft afterthought to franchise face, Brock Purdy’s journey remains a family affair.
