Education
Purnell attended Seaford High but graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Pennsylvania before attending West Virginia University.
Purnell attended Seaford High but graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Pennsylvania before attending West Virginia University.
After graduating from WVU, he was selected in the 5th round (116th overall) by the New England Patriots in the 1996 NFL Draft. The Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame inducted Purnell in 2007.
A member of the Patriots from 1996–1998 and Baltimore Ravens in 1999, Purnell tallied 19 career receptions for 159 yards and 5 touchdowns in 36 career games (7 starts).