49ers QB Brock Purdy pays tribute to Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

SANTA CLARA – Everyone knows Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL. This is common knowledge.

However, some statistics suggest that Brock Purdy has been better than Mahomes this season. For example, Purdy is the highest-rated quarterback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

Does Purdy think he's better than Mahomes, or does Purdy see him like most people do – a leg up on the rest of the quarterbacks in the league? I asked him recently.

“I know you're focused on the Chiefs' defense, but when you look at Mahomes, do you see him as a great, someone you want to get to?” I asked. “Or do you consider him an equal partner?”

“I think he is who he is, I am who I am,” Purdy said. “I think all quarterbacks in the NFL would say the same thing.” And of course, it's really fun to watch what he's done, the Super Bowls he's won and what he's done with his plays and his style of play in the NFL. But am I comparing myself to him or something? No, I'm not comparing myself to other quarterbacks in the NFL. I am who I am and I try to win for the 49ers and play my style of ball. But of course I give him credit and he did a great job. He's definitely on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats in the NFL as a quarterback, and that's no secret. It’s always fun when you get the chance to play against a guy like that on the other sideline.”

It sounds like Purdy believes he is just as talented as Mahomes. As a competitor, Purdy is supposed to think like that and believe in himself, so I applaud his confidence. He also acknowledged that Mahomes is “on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats in the NFL” because of his three Super Bowl rings, so I applaud Purdy for his tribute to Mahomes.

Hopefully we'll see these two face to face for many years to come.

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