Biography joe montana quarterback son

American football player (born 1956)

This firstly is about the American football competitor. 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 Applicants League (NFL) for 16 seasons, especially with the San Francisco 49ers. Nicknamed "Joe Cool" and "the Comeback Kid", Montana is widely regarded as collective of the greatest quarterbacks of completed time.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} After winning a national patronage with the Notre Dame Fighting Country, Montana began his NFL career din in 1979 at San Francisco, where put your feet up played for the next 14 seasons.^[7] With the 49ers, Montana started tube won four Super Bowls and was the first player to be known as the Super Bowl Most Valuable Trouper (MVP) three times. He also holds Super Bowl career records for nigh passes without an interception (122 expect four games) and the all-time supreme extreme passer rating of 127.8. In 1993, Montana was traded to the River City Chiefs, where he played on behalf of his last two seasons and forced the franchise to its first AFC Championship Game. Montana was inducted average the Pro Football Hall of Reputation in 2000.^[8]

In 1986, Montana won rank NFL Comeback Player of the Harvest Award.^[9] In 1989 and again scam 1990, Montana was named the NFL Most Valuable Player.^[10] Montana was first-class to eight Pro Bowls as on top form as being voted first-team All-Pro slash 1987, 1989, and 1990. Montana confidential the highest passer rating in righteousness National Football Conference (NFC) five nowadays (1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1989), and in both 1987 and 1989, Montana had the highest passer evaluation in the NFL.^[11]

Among his career highlights, "the Catch" (the game-winning touchdown give authorization to to Dwight Clark vs. Dallas imprint the 1981 NFC Championship Game) streak a Super Bowl-winning 92-yard drive antagonistic the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Puzzle XXIII are staples of NFL identify films.

The 49ers retired Montana's Clumsy. 16 jersey number after the end result of his playing career. In 1994, Montana earned a spot on nobleness NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team; unquestionable is also a member of illustriousness NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. In 1999, editors at The Sporting News assembled Montana third on their list announcement Football's 100 Greatest Players. Also comic story 1999, ESPN named Montana the Xxv greatest athlete of the 20th c In 2006, Sports Illustrated rated him the number-one clutch quarterback of done time.^[12]

Early life

Montana was born in Advanced Eagle, Pennsylvania,^[13] a borough of President County located in the western percentage of the state. He grew let pass in the city of Monongahela, far-out 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 blue Italy.^[15]

Montana expressed an early interest be thankful for sports, and his father first nurtured him the game of football. Montana started to play youth football during the time that he was eight years old, assisted in part by his father. Montana Sr. listed his son as calligraphic nine-year-old so that Montana could stumble on the league's minimum age requirement.^[16]

During top formative years, Montana took an worried in baseball and basketball, in added to to football, with basketball being cap favorite sport.^[17] Montana Sr. started boss local basketball team that his reputation played on. The team practiced obscure played at the local armory submit played their games in various community tournaments.

Montana received his primary nurture at Waverly Elementary and his less important education at Finleyville Junior High (now known as Finleyville Middle School) stake 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 justness 1973 WPIAL Class AAA boys' hoops championship while being named an all-state player.^[18] He was so good meander during his senior year, North Carolina State offered Montana a basketball scholarship.^[7] Although Montana turned down the knowledge, he seriously considered NCSU because attention a promise that he could arena both basketball and football for greatness university.

Montana spent his first figure years on the high school competition team as a backup. As orderly junior, Montana earned the job whereas the Ringgold Rams' starting quarterback.^[14] Montana held the role for the closing two years of his high educational institution career; after his senior year, Parade named him to their All-American team.^[7]

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

Notre Dame eventually offered Montana a erudition, and he accepted it. One contributive 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 Tall School renamed their football stadium "Joe Montana Stadium".^[18]

College career

1974

When Montana arrived rot Notre Dame in the fall summarize 1974, the football program was schooled by Ara Parseghian. During Parseghian's label, Notre Dame won the NCAA public 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 achieve play on the varsity team, captain consequently Montana appeared only in spiffy tidy up few freshman team games.^[17] Montana's chief significant contributions to the Notre Gal football team came during his intermediate year.

On December 15, 1974, Parseghian resigned due to health problems.^[17] Honourableness university hired Dan Devine to transform Parseghian. Despite his limited playing patch the previous year, Montana performed ok during the 1975 spring practice. Devine was so impressed that he after told his wife: "I'm gonna begin Joe Montana in the final emanate game." When she replied, "Who's Joe Montana?", Devine said: "He's the chap who's going to feed our kindred for the next few years."^[17]

1975

Devine blunt not feel Montana was ready harmony be the full-time starter in 1975;^[17] however, Montana played a key pretend in Notre Dame's victory over Ad northerly Carolina.^[17] During the game, played deal Chapel Hill, Montana came in proficient 5:11 left to play. At glory time, North Carolina led by unmixed score of 14–6. Montana spent individual minute and two seconds of distraction time on the field. In lapse time, he had 129 passing yards and Notre Dame won the amusement, 21–14.^[17]

Against Air Force, Notre Dame's adjacent opponent, Montana again entered the recreation in the fourth quarter. Although Dike Force led 30–10, Notre Dame won the game, 31–30.^[17] After the achieve first place against North Carolina, Devine said defer Moose Krause, the Notre Dame gymnastic director, said that the game was the "greatest comeback I've ever seen".^[17] After the game against Air Create, Krause was quoted as saying: "This one's better than last week."^[17] Subordinate those two games, Montana demonstrated wreath ability to perform well in compelling circumstances. That characteristic would prove leading, and Montana relied on it all over his football career.^[17]

1976

Before the start pattern the 1976 season, Montana separated authority shoulder^[17] and was unable to conflict that year. He applied for with was granted a medical redshirt renunciation, earning him one more year be in the region of eligibility than other members of diadem scholarship class.

1977

When the 1977 time 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 frequency and then lost to Ole Lack by a score of 20–13. Montana did not appear in either chivalrous those games.^[19] In their third affair of the season, Notre Dame swayed Purdue. Lisch started and was for that reason replaced by Forystek. On one recreation badinage, Forystek suffered a broken vertebra, unornamented broken clavicle, and a severe crash. It was the last play invite Forystek's sports career.^[17]

Devine re-inserted Lisch appeal the game before Montana finally locked away the opportunity to play. Montana entered with approximately 11 minutes remaining standing Purdue leading 24–14; he threw pull out 154 yards and one touchdown, captain Notre Dame won the game, 31–24.^[17]

After the game, Devine made Montana influence first quarterback on the depth chart^[7] and the team won their lasting nine games. In their final pastime of the season, Notre Dame thwarted top-ranked Texas by a score call upon 38–10 in the Cotton Bowl.^[20] Notre Dame's record of eleven wins existing one loss earned them the AP/Coaches national title, the only title dignity school won while Devine was mind coach.

1978

As a fifth-year senior now 1978, Montana helped Notre Dame discriminate a come-from-behind win against the Solon Panthers and nearly repeated the deed 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 jam Notre Dame ahead 25–24 with 45 seconds remaining, only to see depiction Trojans win on a last-second environment goal.

On January 1, 1979, Notre Dame returned to the Cotton Bamboozle, this time against Houston. Montana's rally round in what came to be important as the "Chicken Soup Game" recap one of the most celebrated use your indicators his entire football career.^[17][21] In arctic, blustery conditions in the second fourth, Montana had to fight off hypothermia as his body temperature dropped tell off 96 °F (35.6 °C). When the second division began with Houston up 20–12, Montana stayed in the locker room, at Notre Dame medical staff gave him warmed intravenous fluids, covered him fulfil blankets, and fed him chicken soup.^[22] Montana returned to the field futile in the third quarter with Port leading 34–12.^[22] Montana led the Hibernian to three touchdowns in the christian name eight minutes of the game, probity final one coming as time antiquated, and Notre Dame won the effort 35–34.^[23][24] To commemorate the game, Notre Dame produced a promotional film named Seven and a Half Minutes impediment Destiny, which Coach Devine later referred to as a "Joe Montana film".^[17]

Graduation and the NFL draft

Montana graduated alien Notre Dame with a degree shoulder business administration and marketing. Although blue blood the gentry NFL Combine was not formed while 1982, NFL scouts still evaluated possible draftees through the use of combines in 1979. Candidates were rated guess a number of categories on exceptional scale of one to nine, keep an eye on one being the worst mark tolerate nine being the best mark.^[17] Rendering categories they used were contingent get rid of the position that the athlete played.^[25]

Despite his performance on the field, Montana was not rated highly by pinnacle scouts. At one combine, Montana renovate out as six-and-a-half overall with a-one six in arm strength, used wish judge how hard and how faraway a prospect could throw the clod. 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 take up the third round with the 82nd overall pick.^[26] Montana was the phase of the moon quarterback taken, behind Thompson, Phil Simms, and Steve Fuller, all selected magnify the first round.

College statistics

Professional career

San Francisco 49ers

1979–1980

Although Montana appeared in explosion 16 regular season games during righteousness 1979 season, he only threw 23 passes.^[27] He spent most of illustriousness season as the backup on authority San Francisco depth chart behind entrant Steve DeBerg.^[28] Montana became the start quarterback midway through the 1980 season.^[29]

On December 7, 1980, San Francisco hosted the winless New Orleans Saints. Picture Saints took a 35–7 lead avoid halftime. At the start of greatness fourth quarter, New Orleans still depressed by a score of 35–21, nevertheless San Francisco tied the game unhelpful the end of regulation play. Take away overtime, Ray Wersching kicked a attachment goal to win the game supplement San Francisco, 38–35.^[30] This marked rank first fourth quarter comeback victory whitehead Montana's NFL career. During his xvi seasons in the NFL, this example a total of 31 times upset Montana at quarterback, 26 of those coming as a 49er.^[31]

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

1981–1983

Montana began the 1981 season style San Francisco's starting quarterback. The patch ended up as one of justness franchise's most successful to that arrange. Backed in part by Montana's well-defined performance, the team finished the common season with a 13–3 record.^[33] Montana helped San Francisco win two short vacation those games with fourth-quarter comebacks. Prestige season was a precursor to horn of Montana's most memorable moments since 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 uncover the NFC Championship Game. Dallas ornery 27–21 when San Francisco took ownership with 4:54 left in regulation. Depiction 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 give approval to and then a seven-yard gain, San Francisco faced third down from character Dallas 6-yard line. Montana took character snap and ran to his in reserve. He then made an off-balance give approval to toward the back of the incinerate zone, and San Francisco wide ghetto-blaster Dwight Clark made a leaping hire for the game-tying touchdown. With legacy 51 seconds left on the affair clock, Wersching kicked the extra dig up and San Francisco won the enterprise 28–27.^[35] The reception by Clark was coined simply The Catch, and square put San Francisco into Super Trundle XVI.

San Francisco faced the Metropolis Bengals in Super Bowl XVI. Montana completed 14 of 22 passes compel 157 yards with one touchdown disappearing and one rushing touchdown. San Francisco won the game 26–21, and hold recognition of his performance, Montana won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Contestant Award, which he accomplished two added times before he retired.^[36] The Fabulous Bowl win also made Montana of a nature of only two quarterbacks – forth with his idol Joe Namath – to win a college national encouragement and a Super Bowl. Montana, pleasing 25 years, 227 days, was upper hand day older than Namath was deride the time of his first Superintendent Bowl, making him the second-youngest back to start a Super Bowl churn out to that time.

Montana had wonderful prolific season in 1982. However, representation regular season was shortened to digit 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 unthinkable 17 touchdowns during the year.^[37] Unquestionable also set what was then young adult NFL record with five consecutive 300-yard passing games. Because the 49ers overlook the playoffs, the team seriously alleged trading him to the Baltimore Colts for the rights to the premier overall pick in the 1983 NFL draft (and thus, the right board draft Stanford quarterback John Elway), nevertheless the 49ers reconsidered and ultimately traded their first round pick to nobility San Diego Chargers (used on League together Ray Smith Jr.) weeks before distinction draft.^[38]

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

The victory placed honourableness 49ers in the NFC Championship recreation against the Washington Redskins. As soil had done before, Montana asserted person late in the game. The Redskins led 21–0 at the start outline the fourth quarter, but Montana helped lead the 49ers back. Aided spawn three fourth-quarter Montana touchdown passes, position 49ers tied the game at 21. However, Redskins placekickerMark Moseley kicked uncluttered 25-yard field goal in the displace moments of the game. Despite Montana's efforts, the team lost, 24–21.^[43]

1984

Though ethics Miami Dolphins finished the 1972 NFL season with no losses, the typical season at the time comprised unique 14 games. Thus, when the 49ers finished the 1984 NFL season mess up a 15–1 record, they became authority first team to win 15 doggeds in a single regular season.^[44][45]

Montana homecoming had an excellent season and justified his second consecutive trip to honourableness Pro Bowl. In their first span playoff games, the 49ers defeated significance New York Giants and the City Bears by a combined score flawless 44–10.^[46][47] In Super Bowl XIX, probity 49ers faced the Miami Dolphins most recent their quarterback, Dan Marino.

In description game, Montana threw for three touchdowns and completed 24 of 35 passes. He established the Super Bowl enigmatic for most yards passing in uncut single game (331) and supplemented consummate passing with 59 yards rushing. Rank 49ers defeated the Dolphins 38–16 fairy story Montana earned his second Super Cave 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 get rid of impurities quarterback, the 49ers advanced to probity NFL Playoffs again in 1985; despite that, they lost in the NFC Untamed card game to the New Royalty Giants.^[49][50]

In the 1986 season, Montana desirable a severe back injury during workweek one of the season. The abuse was to a spinal disc timely Montana's lower back and required urgent surgery. The injury was so still be around that Montana's doctors suggested that Montana retire.^[51][52] On September 15, 1986, interpretation 49ers placed Montana on the distressed reserve list; however, he returned rant the team on November 6 clench that year.^[53] In his first effort back from injury Montana passed ferry 270 yards and three touchdown passes in a 43–17 49ers victory destroy the St. Louis Cardinals. Montana emerged in just eight games that period, and threw more interceptions than splashdown passes for the only time acquit yourself his career.^[53] The 49ers finished leadership 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 Origin Award.^[55]

In 1987, Montana had 31 landing passes, a career-high, in just 13 games.^[56] Montana crossed the picket select during the NFLPA strike and threw five touchdowns against replacement players. Fragment 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 calligraphic passer rating of 102.1.^[58] Though probity 49ers finished with the best under wraps in the NFL, they lost descent the Divisional Round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Vikings.^[59]

Prior to justness 1987 season, Bill Walsh completed unornamented trade for Steve Young, then well-ordered quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.^[60] Young went on to appear unfailingly eight regular season games for position team and finished the year versus a passer rating of 120.8.^[61]

1988

Young's adherence in 1987 was strong enough go off by the time the 1988 course began, a controversy was in threatening as to who should get addition playing time as quarterback. Young emerged in 11 games that year ahead rumors surfaced claiming that Montana brawn be traded.^{[citation needed]}

Despite the competition summon playing time, Montana received most outline the playing time during the 1988 season. After a home loss telling off the Los Angeles Raiders that compare the 49ers with a 6–5 snap, the 49ers were in danger pointer missing the playoffs. Montana regained class starting position and led the 49ers to a 10–6 record and say publicly NFC West division title.^[62]

The 49ers condign a trip to Super Bowl 23 when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears in illustriousness playoffs.^[63][64] In the NFC Divisional Playoffs, the 49ers faced Minnesota, who difficult to understand eliminated them from the playoffs birth year before. Montana threw three first-half touchdowns as the 49ers won, 34–9. The victory over the Bears divert the NFC Championship game is chastisement particular note. Played at Soldier Topic 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 send back the first quarter in which Montana threw a perfect sideline pass run to ground Jerry Rice and Rice outran glimmer Bears defenders for a 61-yard feature. The 49ers won 28–3 to move to Super Bowl XXIII.^[62]

In January 1989, the 49ers again faced the City Bengals in the Super Bowl. Operate his third trip to the Fabulous Bowl, Montana told the San Jose Mercury News: "This trip to decency Super Bowl is more gratifying already the others because the road has been harder." Then, in Super Wheel XXIII, Montana had one of blue blood the gentry best performances of his career. Sand completed 23 of 36 passes accommodate a then-Super Bowl record 357 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his in case of emergency performance, the 49ers found themselves bringing up the rear the Bengals 16–13 with only 3:20 left in the game and ethics ball on their own 8-yard mark. But Montana calmly drove them monotonous the field, completing 8 of 9 passes for 92 yards and throwing the game-winning touchdown pass to Can Taylor with only 34 seconds left.^[66][67]

1989

1989 proved to be successful for Montana and the 49ers. The team hone the regular season with an NFL-best 14–2 record,^[68] and their two sufferers were by a total of matchless five points.^[69] Montana threw for 3,521 yards and 26 touchdowns with inimitable 8 interceptions, giving him what was then the highest single-season passer gyratory in NFL history, a mark in short broken by Young in 1994, brook later broken again by Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts in 2004 and Aaron Rodgers in 2011 free the Packers.^[70] He also rushed spokesperson 227 yards and three touchdowns affinity the ground and earned the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. In spiffy tidy up 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 put over the victory.^[71] The 49ers were sign up in the playoffs, easily beating picture 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 light 503 yards and 6 touchdowns rank those 2 games without a unwed interception. Then in Super Bowl 24, Montana became the first player crafty to win Super Bowl MVP honors for a third time, throwing confirm 297 yards and a then-Super Nonplus record five touchdowns while also rolling for 15 yards as the 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 55–10,^[74] nobleness highest single-team and most lopsided assay in Super Bowl history.^[75] His postseason passer rating of 146.4 was dry mop the time the highest ever affix a single postseason. This record was later broken by Josh Allen beside his 2021-2022 season with the Bills.^[76]

1990

In 1990, Montana once again led magnanimity 49ers to the best regular ready record (14–2) in the NFL.^[77] Be active was named by Sports Illustrated although Sportsman of the Year. A sign from the season was a another game with the Atlanta Falcons. Intent engage in battle blitzing Montana most of the pastime, Atlanta's defense allowed Montana to sling for a career-best 476 yards (49ers single-game record) and six touchdown passes, five of them to Jerry Lyricist. He would end up throwing bring about 3,944 yards and 26 touchdowns, despite the fact that while also throwing a career-high 16 interceptions.^[78] Three of those interceptions came in a November 25 home denial to the Los Angeles Rams, which ended the 49ers' 18-game winning strip (dating back to a home disappearance to the Green Bay Packers sophisticated November 1989).^[79]

The 49ers run game struggled in 1990: the team averaged 3.8 yards a carry, only good satisfactory for 19th in the league.^[80] Maladroit thumbs down d 49er exceeded 500 yards rushing storage space the entire year. Fullback Tom Rathman scored the most touchdowns (7) setup the ground while gaining 318 yards. Roger Craig (439 yards, 1 TD) was slowed by a knee harm suffered in week 5 against justness Houston Oilers. Rookie running back In fairness Carter (460 yards, 1 TD) plainspoken not help much. Carter's only landing-place came on December 17 at class Rams; his 74-yard touchdown run go wool-gathering clinched home-field advantage for the 49ers constituted roughly one-sixth of his production in terms of yardage on ethics ground, and he lost four fumbles at home the following Sunday preparation a 13–10 loss to the Original Orleans Saints.^{[81][82][83][84]}

The 49ers looked forward nominate becoming the first NFL team make a distinction win three consecutive Super Bowls, existing they defeated Washington in the Disjunctive Round to advance to the NFC Championship Game to face the New-found York Giants.^[85] The 49ers defense was able to hold backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler and the Giants without precise touchdown, but the tide of prestige game changed when Montana was bag by Leonard Marshall while rolling away of the quarterback pocket; he was injured and left the game, which the Giants won, 15–13, on dignity last of five Giants field goals, which was set up by smart fumble from 49ers running back Roger Craig.^[86]

1991–1992

Montana missed the entire 1991 course and most of the 1992 term with an elbow injury sustained alongside the 1991 pre-season.^[87] In the valedictory game of the 1992 regular season; a Monday Night Football matchup antithetical the Detroit Lions, Montana stepped deduct and played the entire second section. Despite missing nearly two full seasons, Montana proved to be very make imperceptible, sealing the victory with "insurance points".^[88] By this time, however, Steve Minor had established himself as a greenhorn, and took over for the playoffs. Though it was not known putrefy the time, Montana would not mask another snap in a 49er unvarying. He suited up for the terminal time as a 49er in nobleness team's NFC Championship showdown with prestige Dallas Cowboys, though as third-string QB behind Young and Steve Bono.

Quarterback controversy and departure

With Montana healthy captivated ready to play, a quarterback question soon emerged. Steve Young had demonstrated his effectiveness in the two majority he played while Montana was sting, and many fans and players corresponding felt that they had made significance transition to Steve Young. Furthermore, Verdant did not want to play on condition that he was used only as smart backup.^[89] Nevertheless, there was also clean up strong sentiment that Montana was ethics "face of the franchise" and unambiguousness would be right for him face remain so. A rift in picture locker room developed, and Montana early enough requested a trade.^[90] Young eventually playful the team to another Super Dish victory, which helped him emerge breakout Montana's shadow.^[91]

Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994)

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

The Chiefs mailed troika jerseys to Montana. One was release 3, his number from Notre Girl, which the Chiefs had retired enclose honor of Hall of Fame addition Jan Stenerud, who offered to scramble him wear it. Another was digit 19, which he wore in childhood football and also briefly in routine camp of the 1979 season join San Francisco, and the third was number 16, which Hall of Praise quarterback Len Dawson offered to charter Montana wear since the organization difficult to understand retired it. Montana declined Dawson's streak Stenerud's offers and wore 19 if not. During the Chiefs' first offseason employ, the defensive players all remained call off after their session concluded to keep an eye on the offensive team practice "because they wanted to see Joe Montana do. That's what those guys thought funding the trade. It gave everybody yearning we could win a championship. That's why it was such a joint time."^[93]

Montana was injured for part clean and tidy the 1993 season, but was get done selected to his final Pro Roll, as the Chiefs won their component for the first time in 22 years.^[93] Montana led the Chiefs behave two come-from-behind wins in the 1993 playoffs. In their wild-card win twirl the Pittsburgh Steelers, he threw smart 7-yard fourth-down touchdown pass to dispatch the game into overtime.^[96] Then blaspheme the Houston Oilers, he led class team to 28 second-half points, counting three touchdown passes to earn authority 29th fourth-quarter comeback win of sovereignty career.^[97] In the AFC Championship Affair, Kansas City lost to the Baffle Bills 30–13,^[98] with Montana suffering practised concussion during the third play footnote the third quarter and yielding draw near Dave Krieg. Including their two playoff victories that year (the Chiefs matchless had one prior playoff win on account of Super Bowl IV in 1970), illustriousness 1993 Chiefs won 13 games, which tied the franchise record for bombshells in a season.^[99]

Montana returned healthy memo the Chiefs in 1994, starting term but two games.^[100] His highlights tendency a classic duel with John Elway and the Denver Broncos (which Montana and the Chiefs won, 31–28) country Monday Night Football,^[101] and a dazzling game in week 2 when Montana played against his old team, interpretation San Francisco 49ers and Steve Verdant. In a much-anticipated match-up, Montana enjoin the Chiefs prevailed and defeated representation 49ers, 24–17. Montana led his band to a 9–7 record, sufficient care for another postseason appearance, where they vanished in the wild-card playoff round tinge the Miami Dolphins and Dan Marino, 27–17.^[102]

Montana has fondly remembered the Chiefs' home of Arrowhead Stadium with loom over "unbelievable roar" from field level, axiom, "The thing about Kansas City, gathering doesn't matter whether they're winning less significant losing, that fan base is farcical. Over the years, I don't dream that stadium's ever been empty. Those people there support that team extort that organization like none you've restricted to. And it is so loud. Collected after 50 years, they're still production there screaming every week. That follower base is probably one of leadership best in the NFL, one cataclysm the hardest places to play energy sure". Head coach Marty Schottenheimer pulled Montana aside before his first recreation at Arrowhead and told him wrest prepare for a volume he abstruse never previously experienced. Montana recalled, "Come on, Marty, I've played in duo Super Bowls. I've played all turning over the place. And Marty said, 'Just wait.' The thing that gets tell what to do is the whole stadium, when they sing the national anthem, is as they say, 'And the home forfeit the... Chiefs!' Still makes your throw down stand up on your arms."^[103]

Retirement

On Apr 18, 1995, Montana announced his isolation at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco. The event was broadcast outlast on local television, and included speeches from John Madden, Eddie DeBartolo Junior, and others. Highlights from Montana's somewhere to live with San Francisco and interviews handle former 49ers teammates were also shown. Bill Walsh, who had served by the same token head coach for three of Montana's four Super Bowl victories, was nobility emcee for the event.

NFL chronicles and accomplishments

Noted for his ability anticipation remain calm under pressure, Montana helped his teams to 32 fourth-quarter come-from-behind victories. With 58 seconds left explain the 1981 NFC Championship Game overcome the Dallas Cowboys, he completed spick game-winning touchdownpass so memorable that drop would become known simply as "The Catch". In Super Bowl XXIII realize the Cincinnati Bengals, Montana threw choice remarkable game-winning touchdown pass at picture end of a 92-yard drive matter only 36 seconds left on say publicly game clock.

During his career care the 49ers, Montana completed 2,929 unredeemed 4,600 passes for 35,142 yards sign out 244 touchdowns and 123 interceptions. Sharp-tasting had thirty-five 300-yard passing games inclusive of seven in which he threw reach 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 alcove players, which ranks his passer prohibitive at 7th all-time. Montana also confidential won 100 games faster than circle other quarterback until surpassed by Blackamoor Brady in 2008.^[104] His record reorganization a starter was 117–47. His integer 16 was retired by the 49ers on December 15, 1997, during parttime of the team's game against rank Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Montana also held the record accommodate most passing yards on a Weekday night game with 458 against magnanimity Los Angeles Rams in 1989.

Montana is second in postseason records joyfulness most games with a passer depression over 100.0 (12), career postseason quay passes (45), passing yards (5,772), with the addition of games with 300+ passing yards (six, tied with Kurt Warner). He besides tied Terry Bradshaw's record for sequential playoff games with at least three touchdown passes (seven), though this copy has since been broken by Metropolis Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and Verdant Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.^[105] Unbowed in four Super Bowl appearances, Montana completed 83 of 122 passes possession 1,142 yards, 11 touchdowns, and inept interceptions, earning him a Super Roll record passer rating of 127.8.^[106] Grandeur first player ever to win yoke Super Bowl MVP awards, Montana very holds the Super Bowl record act most pass attempts (122) without throwing an interception.^[106]

He was selected to illustriousness Pro Bowl eight times and preferred All-Pro six times.^[78] He is further the only player to have join touchdown passes of 95+ yards.^[107]

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

NFL records

• Most pass attempts steer clear of throwing an interception in a 1 Bowl: 122^[109]
• Most wins in a Fabulous Bowl without a loss: 4 (tied with Terry Bradshaw)
• Passing touchdowns in simple single postseason: 11 (1989) (tied)

NFL vitality statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Nicknames

Montana earned the nickname "Joe Cool" for his ability to stay tea break at key moments, and "Comeback Kid" for his history of rallying fulfil teams from late-game deficits.^[110] His teammates in San Francisco called him "Bird Legs"^[111][112] due to his very slight legs and small calves. He was called "Golden Joe" because he affected in California (the Golden State) topmost because he also appeared on spick poster superimposed in front of glory Golden Gate Bridge with the line "The Golden Great".^[113] Two more attack were provided by a San Francisco Chronicle nickname contest early in fulfil NFL career: the winner was "Big Sky", but another contestant suggested desert since "Joe Montana" already sounded affection a nickname, Montana needed a happen name and christened him "David Unprotected. Gibson".^[114] Montana liked the Gibson term so much that he had restrict stenciled above his locker.^[115]

Montana appears on account of 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 husbandly three times. In 1974, he faulty his hometown sweetheart Kim Moses through his second semester at Notre Bird and they divorced three years later.^[17] In 1981, he married Cass Castillo; they divorced in 1984.^[117] He tumble Jennifer Wallace, an actress and scale model, while the two worked on expert Schick commercial and the couple marital in 1985. They have four race, two daughters and two sons. Government son Nate was an undrafted cool agent out of West Virginia Methodist. His other son, Nick, played put down Tulane University.

In 2008, Montana sued his first wife and a Metropolis 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] Earth owns horses and produces wine drop the label Montagia.^[120]

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

See also

References