"Mr. Irrelevant," the "Humble Beast" 

     It isn't often that someone has two nicknames. Brock Purdy was "Mr. Irrelevant" in the 2022 National Football League draft, the label given to the player drafted dead-last. Normally, the player doesn't make the team that selected him.

     Purdy did make the 49ers roster as third-string quarterback. When two quarterbacks went down with injury, Purdy stepped up. All he did was out-play Tom Brady in his first start and lead his team to the conference championship game. In 2023, same result. A teammate calls Purdy a "humble beast." 

     Guess he's no longer "Mr. Irrelevant."

     One of about 10 NFL starting quarterbacks with faith in a higher power, Purdy remains grounded despite his fame.

     Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, other winners, are also Christians. Hurts' favorite Bible verse is Jesus in John 13:7. You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. 

     Tua Tagovailoa, a standout in Miami, says, "This world needs prayer. I don't know what we've come to, but my prayers are out with the people of Israel."

     C.J. Stroud, a rookie last fall, led Houston to the playoffs. He said, "I've been going through a lot on and off the field. But when you give your life to the Lord, He gives you opportunities and it's what you do with it. I do it for the glory of God, man." 

     Derek Carr and Trevor Lawrence are other Christian quarterbacks.

     After decades of watching athletes on TV "cross themselves" so God will give them success, we applaud those who just live out their faith in word and deed.

              Jimmy