The 2024 NFL season has been one of turmoil and disappointment for the San Francisco 49ers, but amidst the chaos, quarterback Brock Purdy has emerged as a beacon of achievement. Despite the ups and downs that defined his year under center, Purdy has etched his name into NFL history books with a record-breaking performance that cements his place among the league’s elite young quarterbacks.
San Francisco’s 40-34 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night encapsulated the 49ers’ season—a promising start followed by a frustrating finish. Purdy was on fire in the first half, orchestrating drives with precision and poise, but two costly second-half interceptions ultimately swung the momentum away from his team. Even so, Purdy’s stat line was nothing short of remarkable: three passing touchdowns, 377 yards through the air, and a stellar 116.0 passer rating.
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This performance propelled Purdy to a new NFL milestone. With 15 career games boasting at least two passing touchdowns and a passer rating of 115.0 or higher, Purdy surpassed Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, who achieved 14 such games in his first three seasons. Here’s a look at the top five players in this exclusive category:
| Rank | Player | Games |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brock Purdy, SF | 15 |
| 2t | Patrick Mahomes, KC | 14 |
| Russell Wilson, SEA | 14 | |
| 4 | Justin Herbert, LAC | 13 |
| 5t | Four Players | 11 |
Beyond his league-wide achievements, Purdy also climbed the ranks of the 49ers’ franchise record books. His 377-yard outing marked his fourth career game with 350 or more passing yards, putting him third on the team’s all-time list behind legendary quarterbacks Joe Montana (16) and Steve Young (10). Additionally, Purdy’s three-touchdown performance brought his career total of games with three or more passing touchdowns to nine, placing him fourth in franchise history.
Most Games with 350+ Passing Yards (49ers History)
| Rank | Player | Games |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Montana | 16 |
| 2 | Steve Young | 10 |
| 3 | Brock Purdy | 4 |
| 4 | Jeff Garcia | 3 |
Most Games with 3+ Passing TDs (49ers History)
| Rank | Player | Games |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Montana | 38 |
| 2 | Steve Young | 36 |
| 3 | Jeff Garcia | 14 |
| 4 | Brock Purdy | 9 |
Unfortunately, Purdy’s standout performance against Detroit came at a cost. He exited the game in the fourth quarter after suffering a right elbow contusion on a sack. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced the following day that Purdy would miss the 49ers’ season finale to recover. The injury marked a premature end to his third NFL campaign, a season filled with personal triumphs overshadowed by team struggles.
As Purdy approaches the offseason, he’s eligible for a contract extension—a critical moment in his career. While the 49ers failed to meet their lofty expectations in 2024, Purdy’s individual accomplishments have undoubtedly solidified his value. His ability to deliver record-breaking performances under pressure highlights his potential as the franchise’s cornerstone quarterback.
Despite the setbacks, Brock Purdy has proven himself as a player who thrives in the spotlight, a rising star with the talent and determination to rewrite records. As the 49ers look to regroup and rebuild for the 2025 season, one thing is clear: Purdy’s story is just beginning, and it’s already one for the ages.
