Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, Brock Purdy Nominated for ESPY Awards: Here’s How You Can Vote!

Two Iowa athletes who both had incredible seasons have just been nominated for ESPY Awards, and even share nominations in one huge category.

Both Caitlin Clark and Brock Purdy have become household names over the last several months. Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team led her squad to the NCAA Championship game against LSU. While the Iowa women fell to the Tigers, Clark was fantastic no less, and she's poised to have another stellar season with the Hawkeye women's 2023-24 campaign beginning with a matchup against Virginia Tech later this year.

While Clark entered the 2022-23 season with an established profile, it was former Iowa State Cyclone Brock Purdy, who came out of nowhere. He started as the third string quarterback in San Francisco 49ers before being elevated to starter due to a cluster of injuries. Purdy led the Niners to a 5-0 regular season finish, and got them all the way to the NFC Championship Game, breaking numerous rookie records in the process.

Not bad for someone designated as "Mr. Irrelevant" due to being picked last in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Both Caitlin Clark and Brock Purdy share the ESPY category of "Best Breakthrough Athlete," alongside Angel Reese of LSU and Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners.

Clark was also nominated for "Best College Athlete, Women's Sports." 

While I think it's going to be hard to argue against Caitlin Clark, who has to be the chalk for both categories, you can cast your vote for who you'd like to win the ESPY Awards! Fans can vote from now until Sunday, July 9th at 9pm CST. It takes no time at all to cast your ballot and show Iowa stars some love!

While Clark and the Hawkeyes hope to get back on the national stage for the NCAA Championship, Brock Purdy has a different challenge in his way. Purdy was injured in the NFC Championship Game, and is recovering from a significant elbow injury. He said just months ago he's unsure if he'll play this season. However, the 49ers' updates regarding Purdy's recovery have been positive, and he is trending towards being the Week 1 starter, in a stiff competition between Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.

Cast your vote for the 2023 ESPY Awards here!