Throughout the season, 49ers great and soon-to-be Hall of Fame linebacker Patrick Willis has voiced his admiration for Purdy and the team's achievements. However, when faced with a choice between Purdy and Colin Kaepernick, Willis sided with his former teammate.
During a recent podcast appearance with Robert Griffin III, Willis was asked to choose between Kaepernick from 2012 and Purdy from 2023.
"I'm going to have to take Kap," declared Willis.
The former linebacker elaborated, "A lot of people can go back and [nitpick] towards what it looked like towards his last couple years and whatnot with the Niners, or his last year with the Niners. He did what he needed to do. It may not have been in a way that—in a traditional quarterback throwing way, but, man, him, you (Griffin), you guys were something electrifying."
Willis admitted it was a "tough decision," expressing his admiration for the 49ers' current young quarterback.
"I love them 1A and 1B," Willis added.
Kaepernick, who played six seasons in the NFL, notably led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII after taking over from Alex Smith. Purdy assumed the role of the 49ers' starting quarterback in 2022 following injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.
In August, Willis will finally be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
H/t to Andrew Gould of The Spun for the find.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers trading Deebo Samuel to the Commanders for a fifth-round pick
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers are trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade will become official on March 12, when the new league year begins. Notably, Commanders general manager Adam... -
49ers select safety with top pick in CBS Sports mock draft
CBS Sports writer Ryan Wilson released his latest mock draft, projecting an unexpected direction for the San Francisco 49ers with their No. 11 overall selection. While most mock drafts predict the team will bolster its offensive or defensive line, Wilson has the 49ers selecting... -
49ers beat writer makes bold first-round pick in mock draft
The staff at The Athletic recently conducted a joint mock draft, with one reporter selecting for each team. By the time the San Francisco 49ers were on the hypothetical clock at No. 11, three defensive linemen and two offensive linemen—the two positions widely considered... -
Former NFL player explains how 49ers could benefit from paying Brock Purdy $54M annually
The Athletic's Dianna Russini and former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel discussed Brock Purdy on the Scoop City podcast, examining what his next contract might look like. The San Francisco 49ers are expected to extend their young quarterback, and many believe he will soon rank...