Rapper E-40 shared some bold opinions about the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the Super Bowl.
During a guest appearance on Fox Sports on Friday, Feb. 7, the Vallejo hip-hop mogul called on the team to officially name Brock Purdy their franchise quarterback, declaring him the best candidate since Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young.
“We haven’t had a quarterback like that — that consistent and accomplished,” E-40 said of Purdy in comparing him to Young, who led the Niners to their last Super Bowl win in 1995. “He came out blazing … when he got his chance, he was on deck like a sailor with a mop nearby.”
He added that Purdy has come a long way since losing the Super Bowl title to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, finally shaking the “Mr. Irrelevant” nickname he earned as the final draft pick of the 2022 season.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) following the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, on Dec. 30, 2024.
Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle
Purdy is eager to secure a contract extension before the start of the offseason program in April, though he gave a noncommittal answer when asked if he would report without a new deal.
After the regular season, 49ers General Manager John Lynch referred to Purdy as “our guy” when questioned about the team’s upcoming contract negotiations. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also affirmed that Purdy would remain the QB under his leadership, citing his belief that Purdy has the potential to lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl in the future.
But the team has not yet formalized an offer, with speculation swirling around a potential $55 million annual contract.
E-40, whose real name is Earl Stevens, also weighed in on the Golden State Warriors’ high-profile trade for Jimmy Butler.
Jimmy Butler, left, displays his new Golden State Warriors jersey alongside general manager Mike Dunleavy at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Greg Beacham/Associated Press
The Warriors acquired Butler from the Miami Heat in a major deal finalized just before the trade deadline on Thursday, Feb. 6, shaking up the team’s roster and giving Stephen Curry a bona fide co-star to share the load.
“It’s going to take a lot of pressure off Steph,” E-40 said. “Jimmy’s a shooter. He’s a closer. He likes to get in the paint. He ain’t scared to get in there.”
Despite his optimism, E-40 wasn’t completely satisfied with the trade.
“I wish we had another tall guy to go with it,” he added. “But you never know. The season is not over.
“But I like Jimmy Butler. I think they’re going to do well. I really feel like getting him on the team is going to help the organization and the fans. I think he’s going to turn it around.”