SAN JOSE, Calif. – Brock Purdy sat rapt with attention on the California Theatre stage. Next to him, Steve Young, Jeff Garcia and Alex Smith reminisced about their best playoff wins as 49ers quarterbacks when, organically, it was time to teach the new kid about storied Candlestick Park.

“It’s too bad, Brock, as much as Levi’s is a beautiful stadium, that you didn’t get to experience Candlestick,” Garcia said of the 49ers’ 1971-2013 home.

“Candlestick breathed,” Young chimed in. “The whole thing kind of moved with you.”

Added Smith: “Every time I’m driving by Candlestick Park — the (freeway) sign still says Candlestick Park – I have my kids in the car and they are very tired of hearing about it. I can’t get it out of my head how electric it was to be a part of that.”

That trio then described the swirling winds, a “creepy” tunnel to the locker room, a soggy field that played mind games with opponents, and, storybook victories that vaulted the 49ers among the NFL’s elite franchises.

Of course, the most famous game at Candlestick saw the 1981 team overtake the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC Championship to launch a dynasty. And it took a go-ahead score on “The Catch” by Dwight Clark, who passed away five years ago after battling ALS.

Thursday night, the aforementioned four 49ers quarterbacks made for a captivating panel at the fourth annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series, which raises money for the Golden Heart Fund benefitting 49ers alumni.

Also during the 2 ½-hour program, Dre Greenlaw received the Dwight Clark Award from fellow linebacker and 2022 recipient Fred Warner, while defensive backs Ji’Ayir Brown and Renardo Green sat in on a panel with Eric Wright.

The main event showcased Purdy, in his blue jeans and boots, talking shop with three of his predecessors in the quarterback throne. They did not disappoint. There were laughs, inspirational words, and, historical revelations.

Playoff tales

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