Although Caitlin Clark and Brock Purdy are both emerging stars in the sports world, many people may not be aware of the strange connection between the top basketball player from the University of Iowa and the 49ers quarterback.
Des Moines, Iowa, native Caitlin recently broke the NCAA women’s scoring record while playing for the Hawkeyes. Additionally, Purdy established himself at Iowa State, where Blake Clark, Caitlin’s brother, played backup quarterback.
The two signal callers became close friends rather than just teammates. This offseason, Blake will attend Purdy’s wedding; the NFL player discussed their bond during Super Bowl week in response to a question regarding Caitlin.
Purdy informed Austin Franklin, “Blake Clark is a great friend of mine and he’s going to be at my wedding” (via The Mirror). “He’s the real deal, I adore him, and during my four years at Iowa State, he was one of my closest friends.
“I wasn’t around as much, Caitlin, but it was obviously just through Blake.” She was always such a baller, and we would watch her from the beginning. We obviously understood she was going to be a game-changer since high school. Therefore, I’m overjoyed for her to be killing it now.”
Purdy’s acquaintance with the Clark family is not entirely surprising, considering their connections to Iowa, but it is undeniably a small world.
Similar to how Caitlin has become well-known throughout the state and nation, Purdy has also achieved this status: first as a four-year starter for the Cyclones, where he owns almost every passing record, and then as Mr. Irrelevant for San Francisco, where he set franchise records and helped the team win Super Bowl LVIII.
Purdy continued by mentioning how Caitlin inspires him and other athletes. Greatness knows greatness.
Purdy remarked, “I think just the grit.” “His competitive disposition. Watching it inspires you to perform, to play your sport to the best of your ability. It therefore reminds you of your want to win when you’re out on the pitch competing when you see her inspiring her teammates and doing other things like that.”
Purdy won’t go 2024 without a championship ring once he weds his fiancée, Jenna Brandt, despite the 49ers’ lack of success this season. And San Francisco will undoubtedly need some of the tenacity Caitlin has displayed on the court when it comes time to take on its next campaign.
