Purdy, notable 49ers QBs offer Notre Dame’s Leonard sage advice originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
For a rising senior college quarterback with professional aspirations, there’s no better panel to attend than one with four past and present NFL quarterbacks carrying decorated résumés with an abundance of Super Bowl experiences, stories of perseverance and tall accolades.
That was the reality for Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard on Thursday night, as he was fortunate enough to snag a seat – or opportunity to pick brains — at the annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series event at the California Theater in San Jose. There, notorious 49ers signal-callers Brock Purdy, Steve Young, Jeff Garcia and Alex Smith dished out wisdom.
Leonard, 21, enters his first and presumably last season with the Fighting Irish after transferring from Duke after three seasons. There, he recorded 382 completions, 4,450 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and healthy 2025 NFL Draft aspirations.
Each San Francisco icon had different offerings for the eager-to-learn Leonard, collectively being great teachers. In order, here’s how Smith, Garcia, Young and Purdy empowered their fellow quarterback.
Alex Smith
Smith, a retired 16-year NFL veteran, spent eight seasons with San Francisco after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2005 draft.
He offered Leonard sound advice about enjoying the highs and lows of being an athlete.
“I think be confident in yourself, right? You’re good enough,” stated Smith, backed by a loud applause. “I think your best is good enough. I also think, and this is just gonna be so many cliches coming out right now, but like, enjoy the process, right? I think we get so caught up in a destination and certainly, it’s important to set goals, but just your habits make the most difference … And again, all of us — whether you’re the first pick or the last pick — the road’s not easy.”
Smith knows all about pushing through adversity and embracing various paths and…
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Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-05-18 18:12:24
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