The simmering rivalry between San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and New England Patriots signal-caller Mac Jones traces back to an unexpected 2020 college showdown that forever changed their career trajectories.
The Game That Started It All
During the 2020 college football season, Brock Purdy's Iowa State Cyclones delivered a stunning 42-35 defeat to Mac Jones' heavily-favoured Alabama Crimson Tide. While Jones would eventually lead Alabama to a National Championship that same season, this particular loss marked one of only two defeats he suffered as a college starter.
The game proved particularly humiliating for Jones, who was seen visibly frustrated on the sidelines as Purdy's underdog team dominated the field. This early encounter created an undeniable tension between the two quarterbacks that continues to simmer in their professional careers.
From College Underdog to NFL Starter
Brock Purdy's journey from being the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to leading the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII stands in stark contrast to Mac Jones' trajectory. Jones, selected 15th overall in 2021, initially showed promise but has since struggled to maintain his starting position with the Patriots.
The 2020 college matchup now serves as a fascinating footnote in both quarterbacks' careers, highlighting how early encounters can shape professional narratives in the unpredictable world of NFL football.
A Rivalry That Continues to Evolve
As both quarterbacks navigate their professional paths, their 2020 showdown remains a talking point among fans and analysts alike. The game not only demonstrated Purdy's capability to compete against elite competition but also revealed early cracks in Jones' otherwise impressive college resume.
With Purdy now established as the 49ers' franchise quarterback and Jones fighting for his future in New England, their collegiate clash serves as a permanent marker in both players' development stories.
