NFL HOF Spotlight: Joe Montana

When looking at the list of NFL legends from the San Francisco 49ers, there are many to choose from, but this week the spotlight is on legendary quarterback Joe Montana. Montana is most notable for his time with the 49ers but did spend the end of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Here is a look at what the former quarterback is most known for, and how he became the legend he is today.

History of Joe Montana

Before entering the NFL, Montana was a boy from Pennsylvania who played sports. In his documentary, “Joe Montana: Cool Under Pressure”, he discusses how he always played sports at all times of day and was always competitive, no matter his age and the sport. In addition to football, he was a good basketball player. He was offered a scholarship to North Carolina State to play basketball. Of course, he played football as well growing up, and ultimately chose to go to Notre Dame to play football.

In 1974, Montana began his time with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He spent five seasons with the team. It was not until 1975, his sophomore year, that he started seeing some game action with the team, following a year with the freshmen team. He was not a starter yet, but he did take part in key games. In 1976, the quarterback sustained a shoulder injury, which caused him to begin lower on the depth chart in 1977. Despite this he eventually proved himself. He then helped his team in winning the National Championship that season against Texas. Finally, in his fifth season in 1978, Montana helped his team win the Cotton Bowl against Houston.

NFL Career

In 1978, the San Francisco 49ers selected Montana with the 82nd overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. The head coach at the time was Bill Walsh, and he had just drafted his franchise quarterback that would change everything. Montana went on to play football for 15 seasons in the NFL, 13 being with the 49ers.

Montana is a four-time Super Bowl Champion. What is even more impressive about him? He has never lost a Super Bowl before. There were moments where it looked as though it was over for the 49ers, but he led his team in comeback wins. This was a player that the pressure never got to. His ability to stay calm under pressure is how he coined the name “Joe Cool.” Through a career of injuries and adversities, Montana became a legend of the game and a household name.

Montana earned the San Francisco 49ers their first ever Super Bowl win, and then went on to win four total for the city. He became a celebrity, helping build a new culture in San Francisco. In 1981, the 49ers went to the Super Bowl to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals. While this was a turning point for the franchise, that was the season that “The Catch” happened. This is one of, if not the most famous play in the history of the franchise. In the NFC Championship Game, Montana hit Dwight Clark for the game winning touchdown after an incredible drive down the field to defeat the Dallas Cowboys.

End of His Career

In 1987, the 49ers made a trade for quarterback Steve Young. While Young and Montana get along, there was definitely tension. It is difficult to be a franchise quarterback, always looking over your shoulder to see if you are about to be taken off of the field. Young did make appearances in games. Montana dealt with injuries throughout his career, and the team brought in Young as a backup, which did end up being needed. Following the trade, Montana still went on to win two Super Bowls with the team and two MVPs, but eventually Young did take over the team.

In 1993, the 49ers traded Montana to the Chiefs. Montana felt he could still play, and while he never made it to the Super Bowl with them, he did take the franchise to their first ever AFC Championship Game. He spent two seasons with the Chiefs before retiring.

Career Accolades

As known, Montana won the Super Bowl four times with the San Francisco 49ers. These victories are Super Bowls XVI, XIX, XXIII, and XXIV. Of those four Super Bowls, he earned three Super Bowl MVPs. These are from Super Bowls, XVI, XIX, and XXIV.

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the quarterback “won the NFL’s passing title in both 1987 and 1989.” Montana earned the AP Most Valuable Player two years in a row. The MVPs were in 1989 and 1990.

In his career, Montana passed for 40,551 yards and 273 touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. With the 49ers, he passed for 35,124 yards and 244 touchdowns. Montana went on to make the Pro Bowl eight times in 15 seasons.

Joe Montana was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the year 2000.