Career Timeline of Joe Montana: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Joe Montana built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Joe Montana, nicknamed "Joe Cool" and "the Comeback Kid," is widely considered one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time. He led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, earning three Super Bowl MVP awards. He holds Super Bowl records for most passes without an interception and the highest passer rating. Montana began his NFL career in 1979 with the 49ers after winning a national championship with Notre Dame. After 14 seasons with the 49ers, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, leading them to their first AFC Championship Game appearance. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1972: Dolphins Finished With No Losses

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins finished the NFL season with no losses, with the season only comprised of 14 games.

1975: Impressing Dan Devine During Spring Practice

During the 1975 spring practice, Joe Montana performed well, impressing coach Dan Devine, who foresaw Montana's potential.

1979: Appears in All 16 Games

In 1979, Joe Montana appeared in all 16 regular-season games, primarily as a backup to Steve DeBerg.

1979: Montana Begins His NFL Career

In 1979, Joe Montana started his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted.

1979: NFL Scouts Evaluate Potential Draftees

In 1979, NFL scouts evaluated potential draftees through combines, assessing candidates in various categories to determine their draft potential. Joe Montana also underwent this process.

1979: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers

In the 1979 NFL draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Joe Montana at the end of the third round as the 82nd overall pick.

December 7, 1980: First Fourth Quarter Comeback Victory

On December 7, 1980, Joe Montana led his first fourth-quarter comeback victory against the New Orleans Saints, marking the beginning of his reputation as "The Comeback Kid."

1980: Montana Leads the League in Completion Percentage

In 1980, despite the 49ers finishing with a 6-10 record, Joe Montana led the league with a 64.5 percent pass completion rate, passing for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns.

1980: Becomes Starting Quarterback

Midway through the 1980 season, Joe Montana became the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

1981: Highest Passer Rating in NFC

In 1981, Joe Montana achieved the highest passer rating in the National Football Conference (NFC), showcasing his early success.

1981: Montana Becomes Starting Quarterback

In 1981, Joe Montana started as San Francisco's quarterback. Backed by Montana's performance, the team finished the regular season with a 13-3 record. Montana helped San Francisco win two of those games with fourth-quarter comebacks.

1981: "The Catch" vs. Dallas

In 1981, Joe Montana threw the famous game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark against Dallas in the NFC Championship Game, known as "The Catch."

January 10, 1982: "The Catch" and NFC Championship Win

On January 10, 1982, Joe Montana led the San Francisco 49ers to a 28-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game, highlighted by "The Catch" – a game-tying touchdown pass to Dwight Clark with 51 seconds left.

1982: Prolific Season and Trade Considerations

During the shortened 1982 season, Joe Montana had a prolific season, throwing for 2,613 yards and 17 touchdowns, setting an NFL record with five consecutive 300-yard passing games, though the 49ers missed the playoffs with a 3-6 record.

1982: NFL Combine was formed

The NFL combine was formed in 1982.

1983: Montana Throws for 3,910 Yards

In 1983, Joe Montana threw for 3,910 yards and 26 touchdowns. With 1:23 remaining, Montana completed a touchdown pass to wide receiver Freddie Solomon, giving San Francisco the 24–23 lead on the ensuing extra-point.

1983: Near Trade to the Baltimore Colts

In 1983, The 49ers nearly traded Joe Montana to the Baltimore Colts for the first pick in the 1983 NFL draft and a chance to draft John Elway. Ultimately they traded their pick to the San Diego Chargers.

1984: Highest Passer Rating in NFC

In 1984, Joe Montana once again achieved the highest passer rating in the National Football Conference (NFC).

1984: 49ers Finish with a 15-1 Record

When the 49ers finished the 1984 NFL season with a 15–1 record, they became the first team to win 15 games in a single regular season.

1985: Highest Passer Rating in NFC

In 1985, Joe Montana continued his success by achieving the highest passer rating in the National Football Conference (NFC) for the third time.

1985: Lost in NFC Wild Card Game

In 1985, the 49ers, aided by Joe Montana's performance at quarterback, advanced to the NFL Playoffs, but lost in the NFC Wild card game to the New York Giants 17–3.

September 15, 1986: Montana Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 15, 1986, due to a severe back injury sustained in week one, the 49ers placed Joe Montana on the injured reserve list.

1987: Voted First-Team All-Pro and Highest Passer Rating in the NFL

In 1987, Joe Montana was voted first-team All-Pro and achieved the highest passer rating in both the National Football Conference (NFC) and the NFL.

April 20, 1993: Montana traded to the Kansas City Chiefs

On April 20, 1993, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for the Chiefs' first-round draft pick in the 1993 NFL draft and signed a $10 million contract for three years.

1993: Montana Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs

In 1993, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, marking a new chapter in his career.

April 18, 1995: Montana announces his retirement

On April 18, 1995, Joe Montana announced his retirement at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco, an event broadcast live on local television, featuring speeches and highlights from his career.