Childhood and Education Journey of Joe Montana in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Joe Montana. From birth to education, explore key events.

Joe Montana, nicknamed "Joe Cool" and "The Comeback Kid", is a Hall of Fame quarterback who played 16 seasons in the NFL. Primarily known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers, Montana led the team to four Super Bowl victories and earned three Super Bowl MVP awards. He holds Super Bowl records for most passes without an interception and highest passer rating. Before his NFL career, he won a national championship with Notre Dame. He finished his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, leading them to their first AFC Championship Game appearance. Montana is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (4)

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

June 11, 1956: Birth of Joe Montana

On June 11, 1956, Joseph Clifford Montana Jr., later known as Joe Montana, was born. He would go on to become a legendary NFL quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

1973: WPIAL Class AAA Basketball Championship

In 1973, Joe Montana helped Ringgold High School win the WPIAL Class AAA boys' basketball championship and was named an all-state player.

December 15, 1974: Parseghian Resigns

On December 15, 1974, Ara Parseghian resigned as coach of Notre Dame due to health problems, leading to the hiring of Dan Devine.

1974: Marriage to Kim Moses

In 1974, Joe Montana married his hometown sweetheart Kim Moses during his second semester at Notre Dame.

1974: Arrival at Notre Dame

In the fall of 1974, Joe Montana arrived at Notre Dame, where the football program was coached by Ara Parseghian.

1976: Shoulder Separation and Medical Redshirt

In 1976, Joe Montana separated his shoulder, preventing him from competing that year. He received a medical redshirt waiver, granting him an extra year of eligibility.

1977: Injuries to Other Quarterbacks

In 1977, during Notre Dame's third game of the season against Purdue, quarterback Gary Forystek suffered a career-ending injury, after the starter Rusty Lisch was replaced. Joe Montana did not appear in either of the first three games.

1979: NFL Scouts Evaluate Potential Draftees

In 1979, NFL scouts evaluated potential draftees through combines. Candidates were rated in a number of categories on a scale of one to nine, with one being the worst mark and nine being the best mark. The categories they used were contingent on the position that the athlete played. Joe Montana graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in business administration and marketing.

1981: Marriage to Cass Castillo

In 1981, Joe Montana married Cass Castillo.

1982: NFL Combine Formation

The NFL Combine was formed in 1982.

1984: Divorce from Cass Castillo

In 1984, Joe Montana divorced Cass Castillo.

1985: Marriage to Jennifer Wallace

In 1985, Joe Montana married Jennifer Wallace, an actress and model, after they met while working on a Schick commercial.

April 20, 1993: Montana Traded to Kansas City Chiefs

On April 20, 1993, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for their first-round draft pick after vetoing a trade to the Phoenix Cardinals. He signed a three-year, $10 million contract with the Chiefs, marking a new chapter in his career.

April 18, 1995: Montana announces retirement

On April 18, 1995, Joe Montana announced his retirement from professional football at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco. The event included speeches and highlights from his career.

2008: Lawsuit over memorabilia sale

In 2008, Joe Montana sued his first wife and a Dallas auction house for violating his copyright and privacy rights after she sold letters and memorabilia from his college days at Notre Dame.