Brock Purdy has recorded a 105.6 passer rating over his first 1,500 career attempts, the highest mark in NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback, selected as the final pick of the 2022 draft, currently leads a 6-0 start to the 2026 season with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions through six games.
Purdy leads 49ers to 6-0 start with record efficiency
San Francisco has opened the 2026 season with six consecutive wins, the team’s first such start since 2019. Purdy has completed 69.6% of his passes for 1,460 yards during this stretch, maintaining a current-season passer rating of 118.1.
A 23-17 victory over Washington on Monday pushed Purdy past the 1,500-pass attempt threshold required to qualify for the NFL’s all-time historical rankings. His career rating of 105.6 now surpasses the 102.7 mark of Lamar Jackson, making him the passer with the highest rating in league history.
While some suggest Purdy’s success is a byproduct of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system, every MVP-caliber quarterback typically operates within a favorable situation. The 49ers roster is now older and dealing with more injuries than in previous years, suggesting the 26-year-old quarterback is increasingly the straw that stirs the drink for his talented teammates.
Brock Purdy finds George Kittle in the end zone 👏🔊 Watch NFL Game Pass only on DAZN #NFLonDAZN #FTTB pic.twitter.com/fky1QNmiJw
Historical precedents for improbable MVP winners
Purdy’s path from Mr. Irrelevant to MVP candidate contrasts with other unlikely winners in league history. Kurt Warner remains the only player not selected in any draft to win the award. Warner worked as a warehouseman and played in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe before winning the MVP with St. Louis in 1999 and again in 2001.
The most statistically improbable winner remains Mark Moseley, who won the award in 1982 as a kicker. Moseley converted 20 of 21 field goal attempts during a strike-shortened nine-game season for Washington, achieving a 95.2% success rate that was a record at the time.
Since 2012, the award has been dominated by quarterbacks, with Adrian Peterson as the only non-quarterback to win the honor in the last 18 seasons.
Purdy could become lowest drafted MVP
If Purdy wins the award, he would be the winner chosen lowest in the draft. He would also be the first player from the 49ers to win the MVP since Steve Young in 1994.
The current window is characterized as a golden opportunity for Purdy to be crowned MVP, with the 49ers looking like a bona fide juggernaut.
| Player | Draft Status | MVP Year(s) | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurt Warner | Undrafted | 1999, 2001 | Only undrafted MVP |
| Mark Moseley | Drafted | 1982 | Only kicker MVP |
| Brock Purdy | Last Pick (2022) | Candidate (2026) | Potential lowest-drafted MVP |
Common questions regarding Purdy’s candidacy
Does Purdy’s career rating count toward official NFL records?
Yes. Following the Monday night game against Washington, Purdy surpassed 1,500 career attempts, which is the threshold required to qualify for the NFL’s all-time historical rankings.
How does Purdy’s 2026 start compare to previous 49ers teams?
Purdy has led the 49ers to open 6-0, the first time the team has opened 6-0 since 2019.
Who is the only non-quarterback to win MVP recently?
Adrian Peterson is the only non-quarterback to win the award in the last 18 seasons, achieving the feat in 2012.
Purdy currently holds the highest career passer rating in NFL history at 105.6.
