The Brock Purdy redemption arc has been a joy to watch for San Francisco 49ers fans — but for one former NFL executive, it's come with a dark side.
Amy Trask, the former CEO of the Oakland Raiders, has revealed she's been on the receiving end of "venom and threats" after her 2024 playoff take about Purdy didn't age well. Back then, during the second round of the 2023-24 NFL playoffs, Trask famously said Purdy was the only quarterback left in the field who wasn't "terrific."
"Four games, eight quarterbacks. Seven terrific quarterbacks and Brock Purdy," Trask said at the time. "Now, Brock Purdy is a good quarterback, make no mistake about it. Everybody be calm, Forty Niner fans. I'm not suggesting Brock's not a good quarterback. He is. I simply don't put him in the same category as the other quarterbacks. So I'll say it again: Eight quarterbacks, seven terrific quarterbacks, and Brock Purdy."
That take was controversial then, but now that Purdy has elevated his game to MVP-caliber levels, 49ers faithful are digging it back up — and some are going too far. Trask took to X to address the backlash, writing: "I made this comment almost 3 years ago, shortly thereafter I acknowledged that I made a mistake (I even offered to buy Brock ice cream) – the reason I share this now is to address those who are spewing venom and making threats – it's okay to make a mistake. And it's fine to tell someone they made a mistake – it's not okay to do so with venom and threats – venom and threats directed at me are of no consequence to me, I don't care – but directing venom and threats at others can have a devastating impact, so don't."
Purdy, for his part, has been absolutely balling. Through the first five weeks of the 2026 season, he's completed 69% of his passes for 1,196 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, adding 128 yards and a score on the ground. He's leading the league in passer rating and has his team rolling.
Tom Brady, who knows a thing or two about quarterback play, is impressed. "He's playing like one of the MVP favorites right now. He was leading the league in Passer Rating going into Seattle. Distributing the ball to Evans, to Kittle, to McCaffrey. Making plays on the move. Extending plays on third down. Scrambling when he needs to. He's making so many impact plays," Brady said. "So proud of him with the way that he's playing. A true field general out there. Getting his team in the best place. He went up to Seattle and surprised a lot of people last Sunday."
The threats Trask is facing echo a troubling pattern in sports fandom, where passion can quickly turn toxic. It's a reminder that while criticism is part of the game, personal attacks cross the line. Trask's willingness to admit she was wrong — and even offer ice cream — shows class, but the venom she's receiving is anything but.
Purdy's next test comes on Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders, a chance to further cement his status as one of the league's elite. As for Trask, she's hoping the conversation can move forward without the threats.
In a sports world where officiating debates and bold claims often spark outrage, it's worth remembering that athletes and executives are human too. Mistakes happen — and as Trask wisely noted, it's how we handle them that matters.
