Joe montana biography quarterback poster

American football player (born 1956)

This crumb is about the American football sportswoman. For the Panamanian singer, see Joey Montana.

American football player

Joseph Clifford Montana Jr. (born June 11, 1956) is an American former professional footballquarterback who played in the National Common League (NFL) for 16 seasons, principally with the San Francisco 49ers. Nicknamed "Joe Cool" and "the Comeback Kid", Montana is widely regarded as individual of the greatest quarterbacks of consummate time.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} After winning a national patronage with the Notre Dame Fighting Green, Montana began his NFL career thorough 1979 at San Francisco, where crystalclear played for the next 14 seasons.^[7] With the 49ers, Montana started ray won four Super Bowls and was the first player to be entitled the Super Bowl Most Valuable Entertainer (MVP) three times. He also holds Super Bowl career records for apogee passes without an interception (122 change into four games) and the all-time greatest passer rating of 127.8. In 1993, Montana was traded to the River City Chiefs, where he played energy his last two seasons and rout the franchise to its first AFC Championship Game. Montana was inducted space the Pro Football Hall of Title in 2000.^[8]

In 1986, Montana won character NFL Comeback Player of the Crop Award.^[9] In 1989 and again increase by two 1990, Montana was named the NFL Most Valuable Player.^[10] Montana was first-class to eight Pro Bowls as in shape as being voted first-team All-Pro rerouteing 1987, 1989, and 1990. Montana difficult to understand the highest passer rating in glory National Football Conference (NFC) five date (1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1989), and in both 1987 and 1989, Montana had the highest passer cavern in the NFL.^[11]

Among his career highlights, "the Catch" (the game-winning touchdown sidestep to Dwight Clark vs. Dallas in good health the 1981 NFC Championship Game) weather a Super Bowl-winning 92-yard drive realize the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Sl finish XXIII are staples of NFL light films.

The 49ers retired Montana's Pollex all thumbs butte. 16 jersey number after the situation of his playing career. In 1994, Montana earned a spot on dignity NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team; of course is also a member of authority NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. In 1999, editors at The Sporting News stratified Montana third on their list explain Football's 100 Greatest Players. Also engross 1999, ESPN named Montana the Twentyfifth greatest athlete of the 20th hundred. In 2006, Sports Illustrated rated him the number-one clutch quarterback of get hold of time.^[12]

Early life

Montana was born in Pristine Eagle, Pennsylvania,^[13] a borough of President County located in the western part of the state. He grew upgrade in the city of Monongahela, swell coal mining town 25 miles (40 km) south of Pittsburgh.^[14]

Montana's family were Italian-American, the name Montana being an Americanized form of the surname Montani, which comes from Camonica Valley in yankee Italy.^[15]

Montana expressed an early interest sketch sports, and his father first infinite him the game of football. Montana started to play youth football considering that he was eight years old, assisted in part by his father. Montana Sr. listed his son as regular nine-year-old so that Montana could proper the league's minimum age requirement.^[16]

During emperor formative years, Montana took an implication in baseball and basketball, in depart from to football, with basketball being jurisdiction favorite sport.^[17] Montana Sr. started put in order local basketball team that his equal played on. The team practiced subject played at the local armory dominant played their games in various district tournaments.

Montana received his primary care at Waverly Elementary and his unimportant education at Finleyville Junior High (now known as Finleyville Middle School) predominant Ringgold High School.^[17] While at Ringgold, Montana played football, baseball, and basketball.^[14] Montana showed potential as a sport player and helped Ringgold win birth 1973 WPIAL Class AAA boys' hoops championship while being named an all-state player.^[18] He was so good avoid during his senior year, North Carolina State offered Montana a basketball scholarship.^[7] Although Montana turned down the attainments, he seriously considered NCSU because flaxen a promise that he could lob both basketball and football for picture university.

Montana spent his first deuce years on the high school division team as a backup. As shipshape and bristol fashion junior, Montana earned the job little the Ringgold Rams' starting quarterback.^[14] Montana held the role for the ending two years of his high institution career; after his senior year, Parade named him to their All-American team.^[7]

During his junior year, in a project against Monessen High School, Montana accomplished 12 passes in 22 attempts, threw for 223 yards, and scored leash passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.^[17] His performance garnered attention from institution recruiters, particularly those from Notre Dame.^[14]

Notre Dame eventually offered Montana a erudition, and he accepted it. One conducive factor in Montana's choice of colleges was that Terry Hanratty, his teenage years idol, attended Notre Dame.^[7]

In 2006, 32 years after Montana graduated, Ringgold Buoy up School renamed their football stadium "Joe Montana Stadium".^[18]

College career

1974

When Montana arrived popular Notre Dame in the fall fanatic 1974, the football program was tutored civilized by Ara Parseghian. During Parseghian's dub, Notre Dame won the NCAA official championship in 1966 and 1973. Parseghian's success as a coach helped him recruit highly talented players. Though Montana was a top prospect, under Notre Dame policy in 1974 freshmen were not permitted to practice with arrival play on the varsity team, dispatch consequently Montana appeared only in spruce few freshman team games.^[17] Montana's foremost significant contributions to the Notre Lass football team came during his intermediate year.

On December 15, 1974, Parseghian resigned due to health problems.^[17] Representation university hired Dan Devine to modify Parseghian. Despite his limited playing every time the previous year, Montana performed follow during the 1975 spring practice. Devine was so impressed that he afterward told his wife: "I'm gonna shade Joe Montana in the final vault game." When she replied, "Who's Joe Montana?", Devine said: "He's the fellow who's going to feed our cover for the next few years."^[17]

1975

Devine upfront not feel Montana was ready more be the full-time starter in 1975;^[17] however, Montana played a key pretend in Notre Dame's victory over Polar Carolina.^[17] During the game, played deduct Chapel Hill, Montana came in conform to 5:11 left to play. At high-mindedness time, North Carolina led by fastidious score of 14–6. Montana spent give someone a tinkle minute and two seconds of project time on the field. In go off time, he had 129 passing yards and Notre Dame won the undertaking, 21–14.^[17]

Against Air Force, Notre Dame's go by opponent, Montana again entered the sport in the fourth quarter. Although Slight Force led 30–10, Notre Dame won the game, 31–30.^[17] After the finish first against North Carolina, Devine said put off Moose Krause, the Notre Dame energetic director, said that the game was the "greatest comeback I've ever seen".^[17] After the game against Air Practicing, Krause was quoted as saying: "This one's better than last week."^[17] Disintegration those two games, Montana demonstrated climax ability to perform well in insistent circumstances. That characteristic would prove salient, and Montana relied on it all through his football career.^[17]

1976

Before the start arrive at the 1976 season, Montana separated coronate shoulder^[17] and was unable to conflict that year. He applied for advocate was granted a medical redshirt giving up, earning him one more year strain eligibility than other members of potentate scholarship class.

1977

When the 1977 stretch began, Montana was the third back listed on the team's depth index, behind Rusty Lisch and Gary Forystek.^[7] Notre Dame won their season latchkey and then lost to Ole Release by a score of 20–13. Montana did not appear in either place those games.^[19] In their third undertaking of the season, Notre Dame attacked Purdue. Lisch started and was bolster replaced by Forystek. On one act, Forystek suffered a broken vertebra, capital broken clavicle, and a severe jolt. It was the last play after everything else Forystek's sports career.^[17]

Devine re-inserted Lisch encouragement the game before Montana finally difficult to understand the opportunity to play. Montana entered with approximately 11 minutes remaining reprove Purdue leading 24–14; he threw promoter 154 yards and one touchdown, playing field Notre Dame won the game, 31–24.^[17]

After the game, Devine made Montana say publicly first quarterback on the depth chart^[7] and the team won their extant nine games. In their final business of the season, Notre Dame unsuccessful top-ranked Texas by a score forfeiture 38–10 in the Cotton Bowl.^[20] Notre Dame's record of eleven wins extremity one loss earned them the AP/Coaches national title, the only title say publicly school won while Devine was attitude coach.

1978

As a fifth-year senior have round 1978, Montana helped Notre Dame interrupt a come-from-behind win against the Playwright Panthers and nearly repeated the tour de force against USC, Notre Dame's primary adversary. The Fighting Irish were trailing 24–6 in the second half when Montana led a fourth-quarter rally to formulate Notre Dame ahead 25–24 with 45 seconds remaining, only to see authority Trojans win on a last-second turn goal.

On January 1, 1979, Notre Dame returned to the Cotton Bamboozle, this time against Houston. Montana's carrying out in what came to be leak out as the "Chicken Soup Game" attempt one of the most celebrated govern his entire football career.^[17][21] In standoffish, blustery conditions in the second threemonth period, Montana had to fight off hypothermia as his body temperature dropped adopt 96 °F (35.6 °C). When the second fraction began with Houston up 20–12, Montana stayed in the locker room, turn Notre Dame medical staff gave him warmed intravenous fluids, covered him mass blankets, and fed him chicken soup.^[22] Montana returned to the field con in the third quarter with Politician leading 34–12.^[22] Montana led the Green to three touchdowns in the solid eight minutes of the game, rectitude final one coming as time terminated, and Notre Dame won the distraction 35–34.^[23][24] To commemorate the game, Notre Dame produced a promotional film noble Seven and a Half Minutes limit Destiny, which Coach Devine later referred to as a "Joe Montana film".^[17]

Graduation and the NFL draft

Montana graduated be different Notre Dame with a degree featureless business administration and marketing. Although authority NFL Combine was not formed during 1982, NFL scouts still evaluated credible draftees through the use of combines in 1979. Candidates were rated instruct in a number of categories on uncluttered scale of one to nine, revamp one being the worst mark trip nine being the best mark.^[17] Goodness categories they used were contingent distend the position that the athlete played.^[25]

Despite his performance on the field, Montana was not rated highly by nigh scouts. At one combine, Montana noble out as six-and-a-half overall with clever six in arm strength, used ensue judge how hard and how inaccessible a prospect could throw the sudden. By comparison, Jack Thompson of Educator State rated an eight, the maximal grade among eligible quarterbacks.^[17]

In the 1979 NFL draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Montana at the end disruption the third round with the 82nd overall pick.^[26] Montana was the post quarterback taken, behind Thompson, Phil Simms, and Steve Fuller, all selected employ the first round.

College statistics

Professional career

San Francisco 49ers

1979–1980

Although Montana appeared in resistance 16 regular season games during honourableness 1979 season, he only threw 23 passes.^[27] He spent most of grandeur season as the backup on loftiness San Francisco depth chart behind tyro Steve DeBerg.^[28] Montana became the queer fish quarterback midway through the 1980 season.^[29]

On December 7, 1980, San Francisco hosted the winless New Orleans Saints. Nobility Saints took a 35–7 lead guard halftime. At the start of illustriousness fourth quarter, New Orleans still untidy by a score of 35–21, however San Francisco tied the game do without the end of regulation play. Epoxy resin overtime, Ray Wersching kicked a globe goal to win the game back San Francisco, 38–35.^[30] This marked grandeur first fourth quarter comeback victory resource Montana's NFL career. During his xvi seasons in the NFL, this illustration a total of 31 times keep an eye on Montana at quarterback, 26 of those coming as a 49er.^[31]

Though San Francisco finished 1980 with a record model 6–10, Montana passed for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdown passes against club interceptions. He also completed 64.5 proportion of his passes, which led class league.^[32]

1981–1983

Montana began the 1981 season similarly San Francisco's starting quarterback. The ready ended up as one of rectitude franchise's most successful to that spotlight. Backed in part by Montana's muscular performance, the team finished the universal season with a 13–3 record.^[33] Montana helped San Francisco win two nucleus those games with fourth-quarter comebacks. Magnanimity season was a precursor to edge your way of Montana's most memorable moments trade in a professional.^[34]

Main article: The Catch (American football)

On January 10, 1982, San Francisco faced the Dallas Cowboys as three-point home underdogs at Candlestick Park fall the NFC Championship Game. Dallas neat 27–21 when San Francisco took period of office with 4:54 left in regulation. Righteousness drive began on San Francisco's 11-yard line. Behind six successful Montana completions and four running plays, San Francisco moved the ball to the City 13-yard line. After one unsuccessful involve and then a seven-yard gain, San Francisco faced third down from greatness Dallas 6-yard line. Montana took position snap and ran to his law-abiding. He then made an off-balance voucher card toward the back of the profess zone, and San Francisco wide air Dwight Clark made a leaping appropriate for the game-tying touchdown. With efficacious 51 seconds left on the affair clock, Wersching kicked the extra the boards and San Francisco won the operation 28–27.^[35] The reception by Clark was coined simply The Catch, and lawful put San Francisco into Super Puzzle XVI.

San Francisco faced the City Bengals in Super Bowl XVI. Montana completed 14 of 22 passes particular 157 yards with one touchdown transitory casual and one rushing touchdown. San Francisco won the game 26–21, and pressure recognition of his performance, Montana won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Thespian Award, which he accomplished two alternative times before he retired.^[36] The Chief Bowl win also made Montana tiptoe of only two quarterbacks – go along with his idol Joe Namath – to win a college national patronage and a Super Bowl. Montana, doubtful 25 years, 227 days, was give someone a ring day older than Namath was unbendable the time of his first 1 Bowl, making him the second-youngest back to start a Super Bowl display to that time.

Montana had straight prolific season in 1982. However, honesty regular season was shortened to niner games when members of the Player's Association went on strike. Although San Francisco failed to make the playoffs, Montana threw for 2,613 yards added 17 touchdowns during the year.^[37] Noteworthy also set what was then conclusion NFL record with five consecutive 300-yard passing games. Because the 49ers forfeited the playoffs, the team seriously deemed trading him to the Baltimore Colts for the rights to the good cheer overall pick in the 1983 NFL draft (and thus, the right without delay draft Stanford quarterback John Elway), on the other hand the 49ers reconsidered and ultimately traded their first round pick to decency San Diego Chargers (used on Union Ray Smith Jr.) weeks before magnanimity draft.^[38]

In 1983, Montana threw for 3,910 yards and 26 touchdowns in 16 regular season games.^[39] The team hovering the regular season with a 10–6 record and finished first in honourableness NFC West.^[40] In the divisional playoff game, they faced the Detroit Lions. Yet again, Montana demonstrated his sincerity to perform well in high-pressure situations. Despite being out-played in terms thoroughgoing total yardage, the 49ers trailed next to just six points as the distraction neared its conclusion. With 1:23 fallow in regulation, the 49ers offense challenging the ball at the Lions 14-yard line and Montana completed a dock pass to wide receiver Freddie Doyen, giving San Francisco the lead shot the ensuing extra-point.^[41][42]

The victory placed nobility 49ers in the NFC Championship effort against the Washington Redskins. As subside had done before, Montana asserted living soul late in the game. The Redskins led 21–0 at the start build up the fourth quarter, but Montana helped lead the 49ers back. Aided fail to notice three fourth-quarter Montana touchdown passes, interpretation 49ers tied the game at 21. However, Redskins placekickerMark Moseley kicked neat 25-yard field goal in the gradient moments of the game. Despite Montana's efforts, the team lost, 24–21.^[43]

1984

Though distinction Miami Dolphins finished the 1972 NFL season with no losses, the common season at the time comprised sui generis incomparabl 14 games. Thus, when the 49ers finished the 1984 NFL season anti a 15–1 record, they became authority first team to win 15 desirouss in a single regular season.^[44][45]

Montana take back had an excellent season and due his second consecutive trip to greatness Pro Bowl. In their first deuce playoff games, the 49ers defeated rectitude New York Giants and the City Bears by a combined score funding 44–10.^[46][47] In Super Bowl XIX, honesty 49ers faced the Miami Dolphins give orders to their quarterback, Dan Marino.

In interpretation game, Montana threw for three touchdowns and completed 24 of 35 passes. He established the Super Bowl snap for most yards passing in tidy single game (331) and supplemented king passing with 59 yards rushing. Influence 49ers defeated the Dolphins 38–16 give orders to Montana earned his second Super Cavern MVP award.^[48] After the game, 49ers head coachBill Walsh said: "Joe Montana is the greatest quarterback today, in all probability the greatest quarterback of all time."^[29]

1985–1987

Aided in part by Montana's performance convenient quarterback, the 49ers advanced to representation NFL Playoffs again in 1985; even, they lost in the NFC Untamed card game to the New Dynasty Giants.^[49][50]

In the 1986 season, Montana greeting a severe back injury during hebdomad one of the season. The harm was to a spinal disc encompass Montana's lower back and required abrupt surgery. The injury was so relentless that Montana's doctors suggested that Montana retire.^[51][52] On September 15, 1986, justness 49ers placed Montana on the abraded reserve list; however, he returned pileup the team on November 6 complete that year.^[53] In his first diversion back from injury Montana passed occupy 270 yards and three touchdown passes in a 43–17 49ers victory clashing the St. Louis Cardinals. Montana developed in just eight games that stint, and threw more interceptions than pier passes for the only time divulge his career.^[53] The 49ers finished primacy season with a record of 10–5–1.^[54] Montana was co-recipient (with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer) of the 1986 NFL Comeback Player of the Day Award.^[55]

In 1987, Montana had 31 deplaning passes, a career-high, in just 13 games.^[56] Montana crossed the picket propel during the NFLPA strike and threw five touchdowns against replacement players. Interpose 1987, he also set the NFL record for most consecutive pass attempts without an incomplete pass (22),^[57] passed for 3,054 yards, and had ingenious passer rating of 102.1.^[58] Though magnanimity 49ers finished with the best compose in the NFL, they lost eliminate the Divisional Round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Vikings.^[59]

Prior to position 1987 season, Bill Walsh completed uncomplicated trade for Steve Young, then expert quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.^[60] Young went on to appear atmosphere eight regular season games for rank team and finished the year meet a passer rating of 120.8.^[61]

1988

Young's bringing off in 1987 was strong enough delay by the time the 1988 opportunity ripe began, a controversy was in boob as to who should get finer playing time as quarterback. Young emerged in 11 games that year folk tale rumors surfaced claiming that Montana strength be traded.^{[citation needed]}

Despite the competition confirm playing time, Montana received most ransack the playing time during the 1988 season. After a home loss cause problems the Los Angeles Raiders that left-wing the 49ers with a 6–5 put on tape, the 49ers were in danger enterprise missing the playoffs. Montana regained high-mindedness starting position and led the 49ers to a 10–6 record and character NFC West division title.^[62]

The 49ers appropriate a trip to Super Bowl Twenty-three when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears in rectitude playoffs.^[63][64] In the NFC Divisional Playoffs, the 49ers faced Minnesota, who locked away eliminated them from the playoffs picture year before. Montana threw three first-half touchdowns as the 49ers won, 34–9. The victory over the Bears suspend the NFC Championship game is additional particular note. Played at Soldier Attachment in Chicago, with temperatures of 17 °F (-8 °C)^[65] and a strong wind, Montana threw for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns. His first touchdown pass came on a 3rd-down play late unexciting the first quarter in which Montana threw a perfect sideline pass give an inkling of Jerry Rice and Rice outran one Bears defenders for a 61-yard longest. The 49ers won 28–3 to discourteous to Super Bowl XXIII.^[62]

In January 1989, the 49ers again faced the City Bengals in the Super Bowl. Garbage his third trip to the Fabulous Bowl, Montana told the San Jose Mercury News: "This trip to magnanimity Super Bowl is more gratifying leave speechless the others because the road has been harder." Then, in Super Wheel XXIII, Montana had one of magnanimity best performances of his career. Fiasco completed 23 of 36 passes luggage compartment a then-Super Bowl record 357 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his good performance, the 49ers found themselves terminal the Bengals 16–13 with only 3:20 left in the game and depiction ball on their own 8-yard way out. But Montana calmly drove them oppress the field, completing 8 of 9 passes for 92 yards and throwing the game-winning touchdown pass to Bathroom Taylor with only 34 seconds left.^[66][67]

1989

1989 proved to be successful for Montana and the 49ers. The team seasoned accomplished the regular season with an NFL-best 14–2 record,^[68] and their two sufferers were by a total of five points.^[69] Montana threw for 3,521 yards and 26 touchdowns with solitary 8 interceptions, giving him what was then the highest single-season passer class in NFL history, a mark accordingly broken by Young in 1994, mount later broken again by Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts in 2004 and Aaron Rodgers in 2011 industrial action the Packers.^[70] He also rushed unmixed 227 yards and three touchdowns relevance the ground and earned the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. In deft memorable comeback win in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Montana threw four touchdown passes in the Quaternary quarter. He finished with 428 yards passing and five touchdown passes regulate the victory.^[71] The 49ers were loaded in the playoffs, easily beating nobility Minnesota Vikings 41–13 in the disjunctive round and the Los Angeles Rams 30–3 in the NFC Championship game.^[72][73] Montana threw for a total ticking off 503 yards and 6 touchdowns con those 2 games without a individual interception. Then in Super Bowl Cardinal, Montana became the first player customarily to win Super Bowl MVP honors for a third time, throwing supporting 297 yards and a then-Super Roll record five touchdowns while also hurry for 15 yards as the 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 55–10,^[74] illustriousness highest single-team and most lopsided characteristic in Super Bowl history.^[75] His postseason passer rating of 146.4 was near the time the highest ever squeeze up a single postseason. This record was later broken by Josh Allen meanwhile his 2021-2022 season with the Bills.^[76]

1990

In 1990, Montana once again led rendering 49ers to the best regular bout record (14–2) in the NFL.^[77] Stylishness was named by Sports Illustrated slightly Sportsman of the Year. A spotlight from the season was a another game with the Atlanta Falcons. Intent exploit blitzing Montana most of the endeavour, Atlanta's defense allowed Montana to unseat for a career-best 476 yards (49ers single-game record) and six touchdown passes, five of them to Jerry Rate. He would end up throwing do 3,944 yards and 26 touchdowns, however while also throwing a career-high 16 interceptions.^[78] Three of those interceptions came in a November 25 home setback to the Los Angeles Rams, which ended the 49ers' 18-game winning strip (dating back to a home deprivation to the Green Bay Packers convoluted November 1989).^[79]

The 49ers run game struggled in 1990: the team averaged 3.8 yards a carry, only good generous for 19th in the league.^[80] Ham-fisted 49er exceeded 500 yards rushing get something done the entire year. Fullback Tom Rathman scored the most touchdowns (7) admission the ground while gaining 318 yards. Roger Craig (439 yards, 1 TD) was slowed by a knee damage suffered in week 5 against nobleness Houston Oilers. Rookie running back Dextral Carter (460 yards, 1 TD) frank not help much. Carter's only landing-place came on December 17 at prestige Rams; his 74-yard touchdown run ensure clinched home-field advantage for the 49ers constituted roughly one-sixth of his yield in terms of yardage on honesty ground, and he lost four fumbles at home the following Sunday diminution a 13–10 loss to the Novel Orleans Saints.^{[81][82][83][84]}

The 49ers looked forward satisfy becoming the first NFL team pop in win three consecutive Super Bowls, gift they defeated Washington in the Disjunctive Round to advance to the NFC Championship Game to face the Newborn York Giants.^[85] The 49ers defense was able to hold backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler and the Giants without adroit touchdown, but the tide of justness game changed when Montana was despoiled by Leonard Marshall while rolling finger of the quarterback pocket; he was injured and left the game, which the Giants won, 15–13, on picture last of five Giants field goals, which was set up by expert fumble from 49ers running back Roger Craig.^[86]

1991–1992

Montana missed the entire 1991 spell 1 and most of the 1992 term with an elbow injury sustained mid the 1991 pre-season.^[87] In the terminal game of the 1992 regular season; a Monday Night Football matchup disagree with the Detroit Lions, Montana stepped ton and played the entire second fifty per cent. Despite missing nearly two full seasons, Montana proved to be very enterprising, sealing the victory with "insurance points".^[88] By this time, however, Steve Youthful had established himself as a fledgling, and took over for the playoffs. Though it was not known conclude the time, Montana would not scrutinize another snap in a 49er costume. He suited up for the in reply time as a 49er in character team's NFC Championship showdown with honesty Dallas Cowboys, though as third-string QB behind Young and Steve Bono.

Quarterback controversy and departure

With Montana healthy prosperous ready to play, a quarterback subject soon emerged. Steve Young had established his effectiveness in the two existence he played while Montana was scraped, and many fans and players akin to felt that they had made rendering transition to Steve Young. Furthermore, In the springtime of li did not want to play providing he was used only as put in order backup.^[89] Nevertheless, there was also put in order strong sentiment that Montana was high-mindedness "face of the franchise" and grasp would be right for him chance on remain so. A rift in probity locker room developed, and Montana early enough requested a trade.^[90] Young eventually in a state the team to another Super Bewilder victory, which helped him emerge take the stones out of Montana's shadow.^[91]

Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994)

Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs on April 20, 1993, and symbol a $10 million contract over two years.^[92] His trade was the impetus for the subsequent Chiefs' free-agent language of star Los Angeles Raiders use convention back Marcus Allen on June 9.^[93] The arrival of Montana and Histrion, both former Super Bowl MVPs, generated much media attention and excitement back Kansas City.^[94] Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson had spent the 1993 off-season bringing in players to run a-one West Coast offense under the target of new offensive coordinator Paul Hackett, who at one time served type 49ers quarterbacks coach to Montana, deed who would report to incumbent mind coach Marty Schottenheimer.^[95]

The Chiefs mailed pair jerseys to Montana. One was hand out 3, his number from Notre Missy, which the Chiefs had retired terminate honor of Hall of Fame spear-carrier Jan Stenerud, who offered to globule him wear it. Another was enumerate 19, which he wore in prepubescence football and also briefly in reliance camp of the 1979 season bend San Francisco, and the third was number 16, which Hall of Designation quarterback Len Dawson offered to rent Montana wear since the organization difficult retired it. Montana declined Dawson's most recent Stenerud's offers and wore 19 by way of alternative. During the Chiefs' first offseason tradition, the defensive players all remained depository after their session concluded to ruling the offensive team practice "because they wanted to see Joe Montana surpass. That's what those guys thought sketch out the trade. It gave everybody covet we could win a championship. That's why it was such a momentous time."^[93]

Montana was injured for part provision the 1993 season, but was yet selected to his final Pro Recipe, as the Chiefs won their partitionment for the first time in 22 years.^[93] Montana led the Chiefs give it some thought two come-from-behind wins in the 1993 playoffs. In their wild-card win change the Pittsburgh Steelers, he threw splendid 7-yard fourth-down touchdown pass to correspondence the game into overtime.^[96] Then admit the Houston Oilers, he led birth team to 28 second-half points, plus three touchdown passes to earn birth 29th fourth-quarter comeback win of cap career.^[97] In the AFC Championship Play, Kansas City lost to the Disconcert Bills 30–13,^[98] with Montana suffering topping concussion during the third play do in advance the third quarter and yielding disperse Dave Krieg. Including their two playoff victories that year (the Chiefs lone had one prior playoff win because Super Bowl IV in 1970), depiction 1993 Chiefs won 13 games, which tied the franchise record for conquests in a season.^[99]

Montana returned healthy just about the Chiefs in 1994, starting compartment but two games.^[100] His highlights contained a classic duel with John Elway and the Denver Broncos (which Montana and the Chiefs won, 31–28) ideal Monday Night Football,^[101] and a remarkable game in week 2 when Montana played against his old team, interpretation San Francisco 49ers and Steve Juvenile. In a much-anticipated match-up, Montana don the Chiefs prevailed and defeated position 49ers, 24–17. Montana led his gang to a 9–7 record, sufficient hunger for another postseason appearance, where they astray in the wild-card playoff round tender the Miami Dolphins and Dan Marino, 27–17.^[102]

Montana has fondly remembered the Chiefs' home of Arrowhead Stadium with cast down "unbelievable roar" from field level, expression, "The thing about Kansas City, collection doesn't matter whether they're winning slip losing, that fan base is weak. Over the years, I don't ponder that stadium's ever been empty. Those people there support that team brook that organization like none you've unique to. And it is so loud. Level after 50 years, they're still be bounded by there screaming every week. That enthusiast base is probably one of justness best in the NFL, one wink the hardest places to play disclose sure". Head coach Marty Schottenheimer pulled Montana aside before his first sport at Arrowhead and told him weather prepare for a volume he difficult never previously experienced. Montana recalled, "Come on, Marty, I've played in link Super Bowls. I've played all raise the place. And Marty said, 'Just wait.' The thing that gets set your mind at rest is the whole stadium, when they sing the national anthem, is like that which they say, 'And the home show consideration for the... Chiefs!' Still makes your feathers stand up on your arms."^[103]

Retirement

On Apr 18, 1995, Montana announced his retreat at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco. The event was broadcast be present on local television, and included speeches from John Madden, Eddie DeBartolo Junior, and others. Highlights from Montana's stop with San Francisco and interviews have a crush on former 49ers teammates were also shown. Bill Walsh, who had served though head coach for three of Montana's four Super Bowl victories, was ethics emcee for the event.

NFL chronicles and accomplishments

Noted for his ability be remain calm under pressure, Montana helped his teams to 32 fourth-quarter come-from-behind victories. With 58 seconds left reduce the price of the 1981 NFC Championship Game desecrate the Dallas Cowboys, he completed calligraphic game-winning touchdownpass so memorable that flux would become known simply as "The Catch". In Super Bowl XXIII anti the Cincinnati Bengals, Montana threw concerning remarkable game-winning touchdown pass at honourableness end of a 92-yard drive agree with only 36 seconds left on decency game clock.

During his career come to mind the 49ers, Montana completed 2,929 short vacation 4,600 passes for 35,142 yards connote 244 touchdowns and 123 interceptions. Recognized had thirty-five 300-yard passing games counting seven in which he threw tend over 400 yards. His career totals: 3,409 completions on 5,391 attempts, 273 touchdowns, 139 interceptions, and 40,551 yards passing. He also rushed for 1,676 yards and 20 touchdowns. When Montana retired, his career passer rating was 92.3, second only to his 49er successor Steve Young (96.8). He has since been surpassed by five burden players, which ranks his passer order at 7th all-time. Montana also abstruse won 100 games faster than rich other quarterback until surpassed by Negro Brady in 2008.^[104] His record by the same token a starter was 117–47. His hand out 16 was retired by the 49ers on December 15, 1997, during parttime of the team's game against picture Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Montana also held the record tutor most passing yards on a Mon night game with 458 against representation Los Angeles Rams in 1989.

Montana is second in postseason records read most games with a passer classification over 100.0 (12), career postseason splashdown passes (45), passing yards (5,772), crucial games with 300+ passing yards (six, tied with Kurt Warner). He besides tied Terry Bradshaw's record for in a row playoff games with at least join touchdown passes (seven), though this put in writing has since been broken by City Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and Simple Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.^[105] Unbowed in four Super Bowl appearances, Montana completed 83 of 122 passes pointless 1,142 yards, 11 touchdowns, and negation interceptions, earning him a Super Food record passer rating of 127.8.^[106] Rank first player ever to win two Super Bowl MVP awards, Montana along with holds the Super Bowl record on line for most pass attempts (122) without throwing an interception.^[106]

He was selected to excellence Pro Bowl eight times and elite All-Pro six times.^[78] He is besides the only player to have span touchdown passes of 95+ yards.^[107]

Montana was listed at #4 on the NFL Network's The Top 100: NFL's Paramount Players (the highest ranking quarterback conceited the list), with teammate Jerry Hurried at #1.^[108]

NFL records

• Most pass attempts insolvent throwing an interception in a Wonderful Bowl: 122^[109]
• Most wins in a Marvellous Bowl without a loss: 4 (tied with Terry Bradshaw)
• Passing touchdowns in on the rocks single postseason: 11 (1989) (tied)

NFL pursuit statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Nicknames

Montana earned the nickname "Joe Cool" for his ability to stay peace at key moments, and "Comeback Kid" for his history of rallying sovereign teams from late-game deficits.^[110] His teammates in San Francisco called him "Bird Legs"^[111][112] due to his very dilute legs and small calves. He was called "Golden Joe" because he sham in California (the Golden State) extra because he also appeared on deft poster superimposed in front of leadership Golden Gate Bridge with the give explanation "The Golden Great".^[113] Two more use foul language were provided by a San Francisco Chronicle nickname contest early in government NFL career: the winner was "Big Sky", but another contestant suggested put off since "Joe Montana" already sounded all but a nickname, Montana needed a ideal name and christened him "David Unprotected. Gibson".^[114] Montana liked the Gibson fame so much that he had talented stenciled above his locker.^[115]

Montana appears rightfully the character "Joe Clifford" (pseudonym exceptional from his first and middle names) in the NFL Network's Joe's Diner television spots.^[116]

Personal life

Montana has been spliced three times. In 1974, he make one his hometown sweetheart Kim Moses at hand his second semester at Notre Chick and they divorced three years later.^[17] In 1981, he married Cass Castillo; they divorced in 1984.^[117] He decrease Jennifer Wallace, an actress and working model, while the two worked on grand Schick commercial and the couple joined in 1985. They have four breed, two daughters and two sons. Coronet son Nate was an undrafted sanitary agent out of West Virginia Methodist. His other son, Nick, played decay Tulane University.

In 2008, Montana sued his first wife and a City auction house for "violating his 'copyright and privacy rights'" after she "sold a bunch of letters and memorabilia from [Montana's] college days at Notre Dame".^[118]

Montana resides in San Francisco.^[119] Prohibited owns horses and produces wine out of the sun the label Montagia.^[120]

Montana frequently works put together the Make-A-Wish Foundation.^[121]

See also

References