Olsen reveals Griese’s incredible praise for 49ers QB Purdy originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
NASHVILLE, Tenn., – NFL Alum and FOX Analyst Greg Olsen has been watching Brock Purdy since the quarterback’s first professional start and believes the 49ers star doesn’t get enough credit for what he’s capable of doing on the field.
The former tight end, in Nashville last week to help host Tight End University with 49ers star George Kittle and Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce, spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area about a conversation he had at last year with Brian Griese in which San Francisco quarterbacks coach revealed what made Purdy so successful.
“[Griese] told me last year [Purdy’s] magic wand is, his secret weapon is, ‘He’s the fastest processor I’ve ever met,’” Olsen said. “[Minnesota Vikings] Sam Darnold told me the same thing. For both guys to say that spontaneously says a lot.
“They’re not just saying that to talk about coaching, we were having a personal conversation talking about Brock and the great years he’s had, and his ability to process things quickly, eliminate pitches that aren’t there, progress him to the plays that are there, which dictates the coverage, which dictates the game clock. It’s a huge difference in this league and he does it at a very high level.”
Olsen was there at the beginning of Purdy’s journey, calling the quarterback’s first game in Week 14 of the 2022 season against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olsen’s broadcast team continued to cover 49ers games with Purdy at the helm during last season’s NFC Championship Game.
The former tight end believes being surrounded by talented stars like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk helps Purdy’s success, but it’s not the only reason. Olsen made it clear that the Iowa State product doesn’t get the respect he deserves from the public.
“They’re not winning despite him, they’re winning a lot of times because of him,” Olsen said. “I think it’s important for people to realize. With the Christian McCaffreys, the Kittles, Trent Williams, Deebo, Aiyuk and so on you can go on and on, and that’s just on offense.
“The stars that they have were used against him, and I think from a football standpoint, people who study the game, who watch football, watch what makes that offense click, I think it’s a big mistake.”
Olsen agrees that Purdy’s supporting cast helps his success, along with head coach Kyle Shanahan calling plays for the offense. Still, the ball has to go from point A to point B, and Purdy is the one who facilitates and makes the system work.
“It’s just remarkable what he was able to accomplish in such a short period of time,” Olsen said. “I think it’s a testament to how long he played in college. He got a lot of reps, a lot of experience and just his demeanor. Everyone you talk to there says the guy is a stud.
“I think people don’t give him enough credit for what he does because he’s at the mercy of the talented guys around him. I don’t think that should be held against him, I think he’s earned everything he’s had. He’s a big part of the reason they’re winning.”
