NFL Legend Joe Montana Defends Brock Purdy After Cam Newton Accuses 49ers’ Success of Being Built on Luck. And Purdy’s Calm Response Earns Respect Across the NFL
San Francisco, California – November 18, 2025
Just hours after Cam Newton stirred up controversy with a bold claim that the 49ers’ impressive 8–2 record was built on “luck and referee favoritism,” the NFL community was thrown into even more chaos. But the focus swiftly shifted away from Newton’s words and landed squarely on a more revered figure: Joe Montana, one of the greatest quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.
Montana, who carved a legendary career with the 49ers and won four Super BowlsHe took to national television with unwavering confidence to defend his successor, Brock Purdy, the young quarterback who has drawn comparisons for his poise and precision on the field.
“Brock Purdy is not winning because of luck. He’s winning because of hard work, discipline, and execution. Just like I did in my prime, he’s playing smart football. This 49ers team is built on preparation, chemistry, and a belief in each other. Referees don’t win games, and no amount of TV talk can change what’s happening on that field. We win because we deserve it.”
His words quickly went viral, with 49ers fans flooding social media in support of both Montana’s defense of Purdy and the team’s remarkable success. One fan tweeted: "When Joe Montana speaks, Niners Nation listens."
But Montana didn’t stop there. In a follow‑up comment that quickly became legendary in 49ers circles, he added:
“Some people sit in studios and talk about quarterbacks. Others, like Brock, carry the weight of an entire franchise. There’s a big difference between the two.”
This comment resonated deeply with 49ers fans and set social media ablaze. The response became a rallying cry for San Francisco fans, and the hashtag #MontanaSupportsPurdy began trending across the nation.
Meanwhile, Brock Purdy himself remained unfazed by the criticism. During the 49ers' bye‑week media availability, Purdy was asked about the controversy. With a calm smile, he replied:
“I don’t let outside opinions get to me. I know how hard this team works, and I know the effort we put in. If people think we’re winning because of luck, they should watch the film. We’re playing for San Francisco, and that’s all that matters.”
The response from Purdy only served to solidify his status as a rising leader, and his composure in the face of criticism further endeared him to 49ers fans. As one fan put it: “This is our QB1. Cam Newton talks. Brock Purdy proves.”
As Niners Nation rallied around Purdy, Montana’s words became a beacon of pride. With his backing, the criticism of Newton quickly faded into the background. San Francisco now moves forward with renewed energy, preparing for the rest of the season with the pride of a team that knows it has both the talent and leadership to go all the way.
From the heart of San Francisco to the farthest corners of 49ers Nation, the message was clear: “Let them talk. We will keep winning.”
And for 49ers fans, this victory is not just in the stats, but in the way a new leader like Brock Purdy has handled the pressure, supported by the legacy of Joe Montana.
Lions' key returns on defense providing optimism ahead of playoff push
While the Detroit Lions' defense has been a powerhouse this season, it's been clear as day that the team could use additional depth in their secondary to help make it hum even more.
Enter D.J. Reed and Malcolm Rodriguez. Reed and Rodriguez, who have had separate stints on the IR and PUP list to begin the season, are set to return in Week 12 against the New York Giants.
That news, shared by head coach Dan Campbell on Monday, is extremely welcomed by the Legion of Whom that has carried the Lions' defense for the last few weeks amid injuries to Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph.
While neither Reed nor Rodriguez can help out in the safety room, which is the biggest area of need for the Lions right now, they can at least provide fresh legs behind Arnold, Amik Robertson, Jack Campbell, and Alex Anzalone.
Lions' key returns on defense are a sight for sore eyes ahead of postseason push
Campbell told reporters on Monday that the starting cornerback and backup linebacker have been putting in the work to return for the teams' Giants game this coming Sunday, and they're expected to play barring any setbacks in practice this week. Reed is going to be a big returner for the Lions with Arnold's concussion potentially hindering his ability to play this week.
As for Rodriguez, he's returning to backup a room that's been led by Campbell and Anzalone this year. Last season, Rodriguez posted 27 solo tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup before injuring his ACL at the very end of the year. He was one of several key defenders who went down before a playoff push by the Lions.
Kelvin Sheppard has to be excited about getting both Reed and Rodriguez back in the fold, as he's been working with the fewest players this season due to the injury bug impacting the defense the most in 2025. It hasn't done much to hold back the unit, though, with Detroit's defense ranking 5th overall in fewest yards allowed per game, in addition to only allowing 21.6 points per game.
With the offense falling flat as of late, it's been expected that the defense can keep Detroit in close games when they can't seem to score. While the loss was demoralizing, the Lions only lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by one score. That's thanks to the effort of the defense to completely shut the water off for Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith all game.
It'll be exciting to see what the defense can do against another struggling offense in Week 12. This is the perfect get-right opportunity for Reed and Rodriguez ahead of Thanksgiving Day against the Green Bay Packers.
