Former 49ers Arch Nemesis has become a staunch Brock Purdy defender
The discourse over San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has reached a fever pitch. Talking heads all over the country have bashed Purdy for being a "game manager" or "system quarterback" and have said he is really not on the same level as the other quarterbacks that were in the NFL playoffs.
However, a number of analysts, mainly former players, have come to the defense of Purdy amidst all of this criticism and discourse. One such voice may be a surprising one: former 49ers arch nemesis and then 49ers player Richard Sherman.
We all know Sherman has had a complicated relationship with the 49ers. He went from calling Michael Crabtree a "sorry" wide receiver right after the Seahawks beat the 49ers in the 2013 NFC Championship Game to eventually playing for the 49ers and helping lead them to the Super Bowl back in the 2019 season.
Now as an analyst, it appears that Sherman still has love for the 49ers and especially for Brock Purdy, a guy he did not even play with when he wore the red and gold.
Former 49ers Arch Nemesis has become a staunch Brock Purdy defender
On social media and in a number of appearances on talking head shows and his own podcast, Sherman has been vocal in defending Purdy and criticizing those who are taking shots at him. Here are just a few examples.
Just your ordinary everyday throw. Not elite or clutch in the rain or anything. Just a normal everyday throw. https://t.co/luxRB8s8qY
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 22, 2024
"I don't really understand the hate, it's kinda weird to me"
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) January 25, 2024
—@arikarmstead tells @RSherman_25 why the 49ers have full confidence in Brock Purdy pic.twitter.com/8xEMqR8tQT
.@RSherman_25 takes issue with Brock Purdy haters:
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) January 23, 2024
“They only give him blame, never give him credit.” pic.twitter.com/4xMoC0RbZs
It is refreshing to see Sherman so fervently come to the defense of Purdy when so many others are so quick to try to tear him down.
It is not all that surprising though since Sherman has definitely seemed to pull for the 49ers even though most people remember him as a Seattle Seahawk. His acrimonious ending in Seattle coupled with his complicated relationship with Seattle's fanbase are likely why Sherman has been friendlier to the 49ers after his playing days.
No matter what the reason, it is great to see a prominent voice like Sherman come to the defense of Purdy and the 49ers when so many others want to tear them down.
It will be up to Brock Purdy and the 49ers to silence the critics this Sunday against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.
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