24 September 2023 , 17:09
505
0
NFL analyst Mike Florio has come in for some heavy criticism from viewers after he made a scathing remark about Brock Purdy's name on air.
The broadcast journalist is a well-respected figure in the sport but it appears that his take on the San Francisco 49ers quarterback has not been warmly received. In an interview with veteran sportswriter Peter King, Florio gave his verdict on the 23-year-old which left the former perplexed.
Clearly unconvinced by Purdy's credentials, the analyst's did not hold back as he unleashed an unconventional criticism. To the visible surprise of King, Florio started: "Brock Purdy is just kind of a weird name. It doesn’t sound like a franchise quarterback name.
Continuing, he attempted to qualify the suggestion that the QB's name had anything to do with his performances in the NFL, adding: "Purdy is a little too close to 'Turdy'. I think people have a hard time looking at that name and saying that’s a franchise quarterback."
The assertion did not go down well with King, who swiftly interjected saying: "That easily is the most ridiculous point you’ve ever made. That is absurd". However, Florio was unperturbed by his co-host's rebuttal and appeared to double-down on his suggestion.
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl
Florio added: "I guarantee you, I'm not the person who was like - 'that's not a quarterback's name' when he landed on the radar screen last year".
The analyst's assertions certainly did not go unnoticed online, with witnesses to his comments having having kicked back at the jibe over the 49ers star's name. One comment on a post containing the club from ML Football said: "I probably could’ve heard any other explanation, but this one solely just makes me question anybody’s opinion on sports in the media."
Another comment took an analytical approach and outlined why they felt that Florio was wrong in his judgement. They said: "That's a pretty ridiculous take by Mike Florio. Judging a quarterback's potential based on their name is completely absurd.
Brock Purdy has come in for criticism since he was first drafted by the San Francisco 49ers (Getty Images)" Brock Purdy has shown great talent and potential on the field, leading the 49ers to victories and putting up impressive numbers as a rookie. His performance speaks for itself, not his name. It's important to focus on his skills, leadership qualities, and ability to lead the team rather than making baseless judgments based on something as trivial as a name."
Purdy has come in for some criticism over the course of his career, stretching back to his college football days. The former Iowa State Cyclones college player is also destined to be known as "Mr Irrelevant" having been selected by the 49ers as their final draft pick in 2022.
Get the latest NFL news, views and highlights with our newsletterHaving caught the eye as the 49ers won the division title, his whirlwind rise has continued with the Niners improving to 3-0 on the season after a win over the New York Giants.
He has been similarly impressive so far this season, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to win in each of his first six career regular season starts. His numbers have been pretty strong too, and with a passer rating of 111.3, while also throwing at least two touchdown passes in each of those starts.