Joe Montana
After a celebrated comeback-filled college career at Notre Dame, Montana fell to the third round of the 1979 draft but blossomed under coach Bill Walsh. He became a star in January 1982 when 'The Catch' to Dwight Clark sent San Francisco to its first Super Bowl. He went on to win four championships.
Notre Dame Comebacks
Born in New Eagle and raised in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, Montana starred at Notre Dame. He led several dramatic comebacks, including the 'Chicken Soup Game' in the 1979 Cotton Bowl.
The 49ers Dynasty
Paired with innovative coach Bill Walsh, Montana ran the West Coast offense to perfection. His four Super Bowl titles in the 1980s built one of the NFL's great dynasties.
Clutch Reputation
Montana earned a reputation as the ultimate big-game quarterback, never throwing a Super Bowl interception. His 92-yard winning drive in Super Bowl XXIII remains a model of poise under pressure.
Career Timeline
- 1979Drafted in the third round by San Francisco
- 1982Throws 'The Catch' to reach his first Super Bowl
- 1982Wins Super Bowl XVI and is named MVP
- 1985Wins second Super Bowl over Miami
- 1989Wins Super Bowl XXIII with a late game-winning drive
- 1990Wins fourth title and is named NFL MVP
- 1991Misses nearly two seasons with an elbow injury
- 1993Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs
- 1995Retires after 16 NFL seasons
- 2000Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Biggest Hits
- Montana threw 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions across his four Super Bowl appearances.
- His nickname 'Joe Cool' came from his calm in pressure situations, including 31 fourth-quarter comeback wins.
Portrait: Phil Hull · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons