Brock Purdy’s rise from being the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to leading the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance has been nothing short of remarkable. But behind the scenes, his wife, Jenna Brandt (now Jenna Purdy), has been a constant source of support throughout his journey to NFL stardom. The two have been together since their college days at Iowa State, where they first met as student-athletes. While Purdy has found his place among the NFL’s top quarterbacks, Jenna, too, has her own impressive story.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Brock Purdy’s wife, Jenna Brandt, the former college volleyball star, her tight-knit family, and the love story that began long before Purdy’s NFL success.
Who Is Jenna Brandt?
Born on October 26, 1999, in Sumner, Iowa, Jenna grew up in a tight-knit family with three siblings: Kaylyn, Isaiah, and Morgan. From an early age, sports were a significant part of her life. At Sumner-Fredericksburg High School, she became a two-time volleyball team captain and competed in track and field.
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Her talent on the volleyball court earned her a spot at Iowa State University, where she competed for three seasons before transferring to Northern Iowa. During her time at Iowa State, she also had the chance to travel with her teammates to South America for international competitions. Her college volleyball career ended in 2022, and she described it as a “dream come true” to have worn the jerseys of both Iowa State and UNI.
A Strong Connection to Family
Jenna’s family has always been a big part of her life. Growing up in Iowa with her parents, Kevin and Amy Brandt, and her siblings, she developed a strong bond with them that continues to this day. In fact, her family connection was one of the reasons she chose to attend Iowa State for college.
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She has often spoken about how important family time is to her, and she frequently shares moments with her siblings and parents on social media. It’s clear that Brock Purdy has also become a beloved part of her family. Jenna posted a video last year of Purdy helping on her family’s farm in Iowa during his bye week.
Both Jenna and Brock are deeply committed to their faith, which has played a central role in their relationship. When Purdy proposed in July 2023, he emphasized their shared devotion to Christ, saying, “My Jenna girl forever. I can’t wait to be your husband and grow together in Christ.” Jenna echoed this sentiment in her own post, writing, “I love everything about you & your heart for Jesus more than any words can say.”
How Brock Purdy Met Jenna Brandt?
Brock Purdy and Jenna Brandt’s love story started at Iowa State University, where they both enrolled in 2018. Purdy was the up-and-coming quarterback for the Cyclones football team, while Jenna was a standout setter for the volleyball team. While they haven’t revealed exactly how they met, being student-athletes on the same campus likely brought them together.
Jenna studied kinesiology while excelling on the court as a member of the Cyclones volleyball team. Her athleticism and competitive nature matched Purdy’s, and their relationship only grew stronger despite Jenna transferring to the University of Northern Iowa in 2020 to continue her volleyball career. The hour-and-a-half distance between their schools didn’t stop them from making it work.
Throughout their college years, Purdy broke records as Iowa State’s quarterback, finishing his four seasons with over 12,000 passing yards and 80 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jenna thrived in volleyball, playing for both Iowa State and Northern Iowa and even trying out for the U.S. Women’s Volleyball National Team.
When Did Brock Purdy Married Jenna Brandt?
In July 2023, Brock Purdy proposed to Jenna Brandt, and the couple couldn’t have been more excited to take the next step in their relationship. Purdy shared a heartfelt Instagram post with photos of the proposal, saying, “Here’s to forever, babe. I love you JB!” Jenna, too, expressed her excitement on social media, saying, “WE GET TO DO LIFE TOGETHER…FOREVER!”
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Just a few months later, in March 2024, the couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa. Jenna shared their wedding photos on Instagram, captioning the post with, “I get to love you forever. Purdy excited to get a new last name.” Purdy also posted about the wedding, writing, “Jenna Joleen Purdy. My wife. No matter the circumstances in our life, Jesus will always be our firm foundation.” Their wedding day celebrated their love, faith, and commitment to each other—a perfect reflection of the relationship they’ve built over the years.
Jenna Brandt’s Role in Brock Purdy’s NFL Journey
Brock Purdy’s journey to becoming the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers wasn’t easy. Purdy worked hard to earn his spot after being selected as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft—earning the title “Mr. Irrelevant”. When both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were injured during the 2022 season, Purdy stepped in and saved the 49ers’ season, leading them to the NFC Championship game.
Jenna has been right by his side through all the highs and lows of his career. Jenna continued to show her unwavering support as he transitioned from college football to the NFL. She’s been a regular presence at 49ers games, often spotted in the stands wearing Niners gear, cheering her husband on from the sidelines.
After the 49ers’ loss in the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs, Jenna reflected on the season in a heartfelt post, saying, “What a season to be proud of and thankful for.” She’s proud of Purdy’s resilience and determination and has remained his biggest fan through every challenge.
