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Respect must be earned on NFL rosters. And San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has clearly earned that respect from his teammates.
49ers offensive lineman Trent Williams made that very clear when speaking to the media on Monday.
Trent Williams of the San Francisco 49ers talks to the media during an NFL media availability at AAMI Park on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images“You look at the definition of leader and Brock Purdy’s picture is probably there… He’s a treat to watch. I’m excited for Aussie fans to get their first glimpse of him. He’s the heart and soul of the team,” Williams said, per Cam Inman.
It’s somewhat surprising to hear that sentiment about Purdy, if only because he seems like a relatively modest and quiet guy from the outside looking in. And when one considers who the 49ers’ heart and soul might be, an energetic, charismatic guy like George Kittle might be who first comes to mind.
But great leaders can take many different forms. Purdy doesn’t need to be the loudest guy in San Francisco’s locker room to have his words hold weight.
Purdy, Williams, and Kittle are all among the 49ers’ eight captains this season, along with Nick Bosa, Kyle Juszczyk, Deommodore Lenoir, Christian McCaffrey, and Fred Warner.
But when the 49ers’ offense takes the field for the first time, it will be Purdy who commands the huddle. Not just because he’s the quarterback, but because he’s the team’s leader.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy prepares to take the snap against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Aug. 20, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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