As the world said goodbye to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, a wave of emotion swept across communities — not just among fans of the ring, but also among athletes who grew up idolizing him. For San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, the moment wasn’t about cameras or statements — it was about honor, memory, and quiet reverence.

Earlier this week, outside  Levi’s Stadium, the 49ers unveiled a small tribute wall to commemorate Hogan’s legacy. Candles flickered beside classic posters, vintage belts, and handwritten notes from fans. But it was Brock Purdy’s gesture that would steal the hearts of thousands.

 Ten Minutes of Silence — and One Powerful Goodbye

According to teammates and staff who witnessed the moment, Purdy approached the tribute wall alone — just after morning walkthroughs. He didn’t speak. He didn’t pose. He simply stood there for nearly ten full minutes, head bowed, lips moving in what seemed to be prayer or quiet reflection.

Then, slowly and with care, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, worn silver pendant — one that 49ers fans might recognize. It’s the same pendant he’s worn under his jersey since his first NFL start, a sentimental token given to him by his father.

NFL merchandise

He kissed it gently, placed it near the base of the tribute, and walked away in silence.

 What’s on the Back of the Pendant? The Internet Finds Out

Hours after Purdy’s tribute, fans gathered near the wall noticed the pendant and took photos. What they found when the image was enlarged left many in stunned silence:

Etched on the back: “Real strength is believing when no one else does — Dad.”

This short, powerful message wasn’t just a tribute to Hulk Hogan’s legacy — it was a glimpse into how deeply Hogan’s ideals shaped the Purdy family, and how much the quarterback’s journey has been influenced by those who taught him to fight with heart.

 A Father’s Legacy, A Childhood Hero

Sources close to the family confirm that Brock’s father was a lifelong Hulk Hogan fan — often using Hogan’s famous mantras to teach his son about resilience, perseverance, and self-belief. One story even tells of a young Brock being gifted a toy championship belt with the words “Never Back Down” written in Sharpie on the back — just like Hogan would say.

For Brock, wearing that pendant wasn’t just a ritual. It was a connection to a father’s lessons, a hero’s influence, and a legacy that lives in moments, not medals.

 Levi’s Stadium Honors the Quiet Moment

Moved by the authenticity of Purdy’s act, the 49ers organization has now added a digital tribute plaque inside Levi’s Stadium, showcasing the pendant’s inscription alongside photos of Hogan with fans through the decades. The wall is open to the public, with a designated space for fans to leave their own mementos or memories.

Visitors describe the space as peaceful, intimate — a rare pocket of stillness in a high-stakes football world.

 Final Thoughts: Real Strength Isn’t Loud

In a sports culture often driven by bravado, Purdy’s gesture was a reminder that real strength lies in stillness, in memories carried in pockets, and in values passed down from generation to generation.

No cameras were needed. No tweets went out. But in that silent tribute, a quarterback said everything fans needed to hear:

That heroes shape us. That fathers guide us. And that legends like Hulk Hogan don’t die — they live on in the hearts they helped build.