(NewsNation) — Millions will be tuning in Sunday as the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers go head-to-head in the Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is coming in with the ultimate Cinderella story, going from last in the draft, the infamous “Mr. Irrelevant” spot, to a star of the big game in just his second year. He credits divine intervention.

Purdy, who graduated from Iowa State University in 2021, has been open about his faith and how it’s helped him become a success.

“God is faithful,” Purdy said. “He’s never done with a story, even when you think he is.”

He was fueled by his college ministry, Salt Company.

Based out of Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa, Salt Company hosts nearly 2,000 students a week, making it one of the nation’s most successful college ministries.

“He worshipped here,” Pastor Mark Vance says. “He was just here this fall in bye week. A lot of people wear a cross like a lucky charm. For Brock, he knows that if the light inside of you isn’t brighter than the spotlight on you, you’ll be crushed. He knows it’s about what’s inside.”

Coaches and former teammates are still cheering Purdy on.

“He’s been through the highest of highs … and lowest lows,” Kyle Kempt, who played with Purdy at Iowa State, said. “People form opinions … but he made it through adversity.”

Iowa State defensive coach Jeff Mills said he and Purdy would chat one-on-one about his values.

Bolstered by another organization, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Purdy was immersed, asking to be baptized a second time.

After going on to lead the team to more wins than Iowa State had ever seen, Purdy became a role model to many.

“I was reminded what Jesus told us thousands of years ago,” Purdy said. “If you try to chase fame, status, money, you’ll lose your life. Keeping your eyes on Jesus and his promises … that’s a life worth living.”