Last year, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy surprised his offensive linemen with Toyota vehicles—an extravagant gesture considering he had not yet signed his lucrative contract extension. Of course, Purdy was an endorsement partner for Toyota at the time, meaning the automaker likely helped make it happen.
Lavish Christmas gifts from quarterbacks to their offensive linemen have become an NFL tradition, a way to show appreciation for the players who keep them (mostly) upright throughout the season.
Now that Purdy is one of the highest-paid players in the league, some are naturally wondering how he plans to top last year’s gift.
“Obviously, yeah, I’m thinking up some things, and I have a good idea, I think, of what I want to do,” Purdy said Tuesday on Bay Area radio station KNBR. “Obviously, I’m going to try to surprise them with that. But yeah, they’ve been generous, and they’ve still got their cars. They’re driving their Toyotas around and everything. So, it’s good times this time of year with all of that, so it’s fun.”
That raises another question: Will Mac Jones join the gift-giving? After all, Jones has started more games this season than Purdy, who missed time with a turf toe injury. Purdy was asked if the two quarterbacks might split the cost of gifts this year.
“Man, that’s a good idea,” Purdy said with a laugh. “I actually haven’t thought of that. So, I might hit up Mac after this and see what he thinks.”
Purdy explains the sideline arm brace
During Sunday’s broadcast of the 49ers’ win over the Cleveland Browns, CBS cameras showed Purdy wearing a heated, battery-powered brace on his right arm—the same arm he had surgically repaired after his rookie season.
For 49ers fans, the device wasn’t new. Purdy has worn it multiple times in colder games. But for viewers less familiar with the team, it might have been a more curious sight.
“Yeah, I’ve done it, I think even going back to my rookie year,” Purdy explained. “I’ve always just had a little elbow heating thing on. And, yeah, just coming off the field, obviously, it’s colder in the year and stuff.”
For those wondering if there are any lingering issues with the arm, Purdy added, “I just want to make sure it’s warm and good, and it has nothing to do with my arms hurting or anything like that. It’s just making sure it’s warm and ready to go for the next drive.”