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SAD NEWS: Brock Purdy’s Niece Injured in Tragic Minneapolis Church Shooting — 49ers QB Speaks Out with Emotional Message

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San Francisco, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, known for his deep Christian faith, issued a somber statement Wednesday night following the devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Through his agent, Purdy confirmed that his niece was among the children injured during the tragic attack and asked for privacy as the family travels to Minnesota and awaits further medical updates.

Team officials stated that the 49ers organization is fully supporting the quarterback and his family with logistical and emotional resources. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, along with multiple veteran leaders, reportedly reached out personally to Purdy, while the club prepares a broader show of solidarity with the grieving Minneapolis community.

“My heart breaks for the families who lost their children today,” Purdy said in a statement.
“We are praying without ceasing for every victim, every parent, every classmate, and every first responder. My niece left that church terrified, and our whole family is grateful she is alive — but no child should ever carry this kind of fear.”

Purdy described the shooting as a "cowardly, deliberate act against kids at worship," echoing the words of Minneapolis police officials. He urged for a collective response beyond team colors and rivalries:

“As a man of faith, I believe we have to grieve together, stand together, and protect our children together — beyond jerseys, beyond rivalries.”

The quarterback also offered thanks to hospital staff, first responders, and parish leaders at Annunciation Church. He encouraged 49ers fans and the wider NFL community to donate blood, support verified relief funds, and back local grief-counseling efforts.

In a heartfelt note to San Francisco supporters, Purdy added:

“We feel your prayers. Please keep lifting up the families who lost their little ones tonight.”

A candlelight vigil is expected to be organized by parish leaders in Minneapolis later this week. As of now, Purdy and his family are requesting privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

Cowboys Reunite with a Former Starter, Bolstering a Battle-Tested Defense for the Stretch Run
Dallas, TX – In a surprising yet strategic move, the Dallas Cowboys have officially signed linebacker Luke Gifford on the afternoon of October 8, 2025, just hours after the San Francisco 49ers decided to cut the veteran. The one-year, $3.5 million deal (with performance bonuses up to $1.5 million) marks an emotional homecoming for Gifford to the franchise that launched his career, while also plugging an urgent hole in Dallas’ linebacker depth after multiple injuries out of Week 5.   Gifford, 29, was a reliable glue piece for the Cowboys from 2019 to 2022—an undrafted gem who carved out his role on special teams and situational defense in the star and stripes. After leaving Dallas, he spent time with the Tennessee Titans (2023) and 49ers (2024–2025), earning a reputation as a smart, assignment-sound linebacker who can play WILL/SAM and contribute immediately on kick coverage and sub-packages.   With San Francisco this year, Gifford appeared in four games before Tuesday night’s roster shuffle left him as the odd man out. Dallas pounced. “Luke knows our standard and our language,” head coach Mike McCarthy said after practice. “He’s tough, dependable, and versatile. Given where our linebacker room is right now, he’s exactly the kind of veteran who can stabilize us fast.”   For the Cowboys—leading the NFC East at 4–1 but juggling availability at linebacker—this is timely triage and culture reinforcement. Defensive coaches value Gifford’s communication and angles in space; special teams coordinator notes he can step in on all four core units immediately. Gifford, moments after signing, posted on X: “Back where it started. Let’s work. #HowBoutThemCowboys #DC4L”   Cowboys Nation erupted online as #GiffordReturns trended across the Metroplex, with many fans framing it as a subtle flex against the 49ers—Dallas’ recent playoff nemesis. NFL Network panels speculated Gifford could suit up as early as this weekend if paperwork clears, logging early snaps on special teams and dime looks while the staff ramps him into the defensive packages.   Beyond the depth chart math, the message is clear: Dallas is moving decisively to protect its defensive identity and keep the NFC East lead. If Gifford brings the same reliability and edge-setting discipline he showed in his first stint, the Cowboys may have found the steadying piece they needed for a stretch run.   Can Luke Gifford’s homecoming spark a sturdier second level and help Dallas tighten the screws in crunch time? We’ll know soon enough. #CowboysNation #DallasCowboys #HowBoutThemCowboys