New 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will make his first NFL start Sunday against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For the 22-year-old rookie, who was picked last in the 2022 NFL Draft by San Francisco, that could be a daunting task in itself.
But historically speaking, Purdy will aim to do what no quarterback has done before in his first start: Beat the GOAT.
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In Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, Purdy stepped in for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo and immediately looked the part of a poised starter.
But as he looks ahead to Brady’s arrival in the Bay Area on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, Purdy is more focused on going up against the Bucs’ defense rather than the legendary quarterback.
“I think it’s awesome in terms of Tom Brady coming and playing, and playing his team,” Purdy told reporters Thursday. “But at the same time, I’m playing the defense. I’m going to be going up against those guys rather than Tom himself.
“But definitely so awesome to have Tom Brady come in and play on the same field and compete against our team and stuff like that … So, really excited about it.”
Purdy’s teammates have acknowledged that the young signal-caller possesses confidence not often seen in players his age.
RELATED: Why Purdy rising to challenge as starter doesn't surprise Ward
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He’ll certainly need plenty of that to make history against Brady this weekend -- and extend San Francisco’s winning streak to six consecutive games.