Joe Montana, nicknamed "Joe Cool" and "the Comeback Kid," is considered one of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks. Playing 16 seasons, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers, he achieved legendary status. His accomplishments include leading the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, earning three Super Bowl MVP awards (a first), and holding the Super Bowl record for most passes without an interception. After 14 seasons with the 49ers, he played his final two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, leading them to their first AFC Championship game. Montana's exceptional career culminated in his 2000 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
June 11, 1956: Birth of Joe Montana
On June 11, 1956, Joe Montana, American former football quarterback, was born.
1966: Notre Dame Wins NCAA National Championship under Ara Parseghian
Ara Parseghian coached Notre Dame to an NCAA national championship win in 1966.
1970: Chiefs' Playoff History
Before the 1993 season, the Kansas City Chiefs had only secured one playoff victory since their Super Bowl IV triumph in 1970, highlighting the significance of their playoff run that year.
1972: Undefeated Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins finished the 1972 season undefeated.
1973: High School Basketball Championship and All-State Honors
Joe Montana showcased his athletic versatility in 1973 by leading Ringgold High School to victory in the WPIAL Class AAA boys' basketball championship. His outstanding performance earned him all-state recognition.
1973: Notre Dame Secures Another NCAA National Championship under Parseghian
Under the leadership of coach Ara Parseghian, Notre Dame achieved another NCAA national championship win in 1973.
December 15, 1974: Ara Parseghian Resigns, Dan Devine Becomes Head Coach
On December 15, 1974, Ara Parseghian stepped down from his role as head coach of Notre Dame due to health issues. Dan Devine was subsequently appointed as his replacement.
1974: Enrollment at Notre Dame and Coaching Change
Joe Montana began his college career at Notre Dame in 1974 under coach Ara Parseghian, who had led the team to national championships in 1966 and 1973.
1974: Montana's First Marriage
Joe Montana married his high school sweetheart, Kim Moses, in 1974 while he was attending Notre Dame. The marriage lasted for three years before ending in divorce.
1975: Montana Impresses Coach Devine During Spring Practice
During spring practice in 1975, Joe Montana's performance greatly impressed the new Notre Dame coach, Dan Devine.
1975: Montana's Clutch Performance Secures Victory Against North Carolina
Joe Montana played a pivotal role in Notre Dame's victory over North Carolina in 1975. Coming off the bench with limited time remaining, he led a remarkable comeback, throwing for 129 yards and securing a 21-14 win.
1976: Shoulder Injury and Medical Redshirt
Joe Montana's 1976 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, leading him to take a medical redshirt year and preserve a year of eligibility.
1977: Forystek's Career-Ending Injury Opens Door for Montana
Joe Montana's opportunity arose in 1977 when starting quarterback Gary Forystek suffered a career-ending injury during a game against Purdue, paving the way for Montana to step into a more prominent role.
1978: Comeback Win Against Pitt and Near-Victory Against USC
Joe Montana demonstrated his leadership and resilience in 1978, leading Notre Dame to a come-from-behind victory against the Pitt Panthers and nearly replicating the feat against their arch-rivals, USC. Despite a valiant effort, the Fighting Irish fell short against the Trojans, losing on a last-second field goal.
January 1, 1979: The "Chicken Soup Game"
On January 1, 1979, Joe Montana solidified his legacy in the Cotton Bowl against Houston in what became known as the "Chicken Soup Game". Despite battling hypothermia and facing a significant deficit, he returned to the field after receiving medical attention and orchestrated a stunning comeback, leading Notre Dame to a 35-34 victory as time expired.
1979: Rookie Season
Joe Montana played in all 16 regular season games during his rookie year in 1979, primarily serving as backup to Steve DeBerg.
1979: Choosing Number 19 for the Chiefs
Upon joining the Kansas City Chiefs, Joe Montana was offered the opportunity to wear his college number (3) or the retired number of Chiefs legend Len Dawson (16). However, he declined both offers, opting instead for number 19, a number he had worn during his youth football days and briefly during training camp with the 49ers in 1979.
1979: NFL Draft
In 1979, Joe Montana was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the NFL draft, the fourth quarterback chosen overall.
1979: NFL Draft Evaluation Process
Although the NFL Combine didn't exist yet in 1979, NFL scouts still assessed potential draft picks through combines, employing a scoring system to rate players' skills and attributes.
1979: Start of Montana's NFL Career
In 1979, Joe Montana began his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers after winning a national championship at Notre Dame.
December 7, 1980: First Fourth Quarter Comeback Victory
On December 7, 1980, Joe Montana led the 49ers to his first fourth quarter comeback victory against the New Orleans Saints, a game they won 38-35 in overtime.
1980: League-Leading Completion Percentage
Despite a 6-10 record in 1980, Joe Montana threw for 1,795 yards, 15 touchdowns, and led the league with a 64.5% completion percentage.
1980: Starting Quarterback
Joe Montana became the starting quarterback for the 49ers midway through the 1980 season.
1981: Successful Season and Playoff Run
The 49ers, led by Joe Montana, had one of their most successful seasons in 1981, finishing 13-3 and making it to the playoffs.
1981: Montana's Clutch Performances
Throughout 1981, Joe Montana showcased his ability to perform under pressure, leading his team to numerous come-from-behind victories in the fourth quarter. Most notably, he executed the memorable game-winning touchdown pass in the 1981 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys with mere seconds remaining, a play that would forever be known as "The Catch".
1981: "The Catch"
Joe Montana threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark, famously known as "The Catch", in the 1981 NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys.
1981: Highest Passer Rating in the NFC
Joe Montana had the highest passer rating in the NFC in 1981.
1981: Montana's Second Marriage
In 1981, Joe Montana married Cass Castillo. The couple later divorced in 1984.
January 10, 1982: The Catch
On January 10, 1982, Joe Montana threw "The Catch" to Dwight Clark, securing a 28-27 win against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship and a trip to Super Bowl XVI.
1982: Strike-Shortened Season and Trade Considerations
Joe Montana had a strong 1982 season despite a player's strike, throwing for 2,613 yards and 17 touchdowns in just nine games. The 49ers considered trading him but ultimately retained him.
1982: Introduction of the NFL Combine
The NFL Combine, a standardized evaluation event for prospective NFL draftees, was established in 1982.
1983: Strong Performance and Playoff Win
Joe Montana led the 49ers to a 10-6 record in 1983, throwing for 3,910 yards and 26 touchdowns. They won their divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions after trailing for much of the game.
1984: Montana's Second Divorce
Joe Montana and Cass Castillo divorced in 1984 after three years of marriage.
1984: Highest Passer Rating in the NFC
Joe Montana led the NFC with the highest passer rating in 1984.
1984: Record-Breaking Season
The 49ers, with Joe Montana, achieved a 15-1 record in the 1984 season, setting a new record for most wins in a regular season.
1985: Montana's Marriage to Jennifer Wallace
Joe Montana married actress and model Jennifer Wallace in 1985. They met while working together on a commercial for Schick.
1985: Playoff Loss to the Giants
Joe Montana and the 49ers made it to the playoffs in 1985 but lost in the NFC Wild Card game to the New York Giants.
1985: Highest Passer Rating in the NFC
In 1985, Joe Montana once again topped the NFC with the highest passer rating.
September 15, 1986: Severe Back Injury and Comeback
Joe Montana suffered a severe back injury in week one of the 1986 season, leading to surgery and a period on the injured reserve list. He returned later that season and won the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
1986: NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award
Joe Montana was named the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1986.
1987: Career-High Touchdowns and NFL Records
Joe Montana threw a career-high 31 touchdowns in 1987, crossed the picket line during a players' strike, and set the NFL record for consecutive pass attempts without an interception.
1987: Quarterback Controversy Begins
Steve Young's strong performance in 1987 sparked a debate about who should be the 49ers' starting quarterback - him or Joe Montana.
1987: Acquisition of Steve Young
The 49ers, coached by Bill Walsh, traded for quarterback Steve Young prior to the 1987 season. Young had a strong season, creating a quarterback controversy.
1988: Montana Regains Starting Position and Leads 49ers to Division Title
Despite competition from Steve Young, Joe Montana remained the 49ers' primary quarterback for most of the 1988 season. He led the team to a 10-6 record and the NFC West division title.
1988: Competition and Trade Rumors
The quarterback competition between Joe Montana and Steve Young continued into the 1988 season, leading to rumors of a potential Montana trade.
January 1989: Super Bowl XXIII
In January 1989, Joe Montana led the San Francisco 49ers to their third Super Bowl appearance, facing the Cincinnati Bengals. Montana had an exceptional game, throwing for a then-record 357 yards and two touchdowns. Despite trailing 16-13 with limited time remaining, Montana orchestrated a game-winning drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to John Taylor with 34 seconds left, securing the victory for the 49ers.
November 1989: End of 49ers 18-game Winning Streak
The San Francisco 49ers' 18-game winning streak, which began after a home loss to the Green Bay Packers in November 1989, ended in November 1989.
1989: Montana Sets Monday Night Passing Record
During a 1989 Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams, Joe Montana set a record for the most passing yards in a single game with an impressive 458 yards.
1989: NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXIV Victory
The 49ers dominated the 1989 NFL season, achieving a 14-2 record and reaching Super Bowl XXIV. Montana's performance was stellar, throwing for 3,521 yards and 26 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. In Super Bowl XXIV, he led the 49ers to a decisive 55-10 victory over the Denver Broncos, claiming his third Super Bowl MVP title.
1989: NFL MVP Award and All-Pro Selection
In 1989, Joe Montana was named the NFL MVP by the Associated Press and was also voted First-team All-Pro.
1990: NFL MVP Award, Sportsman of the Year, and All-Pro Selection
Joe Montana had a stellar year in 1990, earning both the NFL MVP award from the Associated Press and the title of "Sportsman of the Year" from Sports Illustrated magazine. He was also named to the First-team All-Pro.
1990: Sportsman of the Year and Career-Best Performance
Joe Montana was recognized as Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year in 1990. During that season, he also achieved a career-high performance, throwing for 476 yards and six touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite these achievements, the 49ers' running game struggled, and they experienced an upset loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
1990: 49ers' Rushing Struggles
The San Francisco 49ers faced challenges in their running game throughout 1990, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry, ranking them 19th in the league. Injuries and inconsistent performances from running backs hampered their ground attack.
1991: Elbow Injury Sidelines Montana
Joe Montana suffered a significant elbow injury during the 1991 preseason, forcing him to miss the entire season. This injury marked a turning point in his career with the San Francisco 49ers.
1992: Montana's Brief Return and Young's Emergence
After missing almost two full seasons due to an elbow injury, Joe Montana returned to play in the final game of the 1992 regular season. Despite his successful performance, Steve Young had established himself as the starting quarterback during Montana's absence, ultimately leading the team in the playoffs. Montana's time with the 49ers was coming to an end.
April 20, 1993: Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs
In a significant career move, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs on April 20, 1993. He signed a three-year, $10 million contract with the team. Montana's arrival in Kansas City generated considerable excitement and anticipation among fans and the media alike.
1993: Trade to the Kansas City Chiefs
After 14 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993.
1993: Pro Bowl Selection and Playoff Run
Despite battling injuries, Joe Montana earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1993, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to their first division title in 22 years. He orchestrated memorable come-from-behind victories in the playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Oilers but fell short in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills, suffering a concussion during the game.
1994: Selection to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
In 1994, Joe Montana was named to both the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
1994: Steve Young Breaks Montana's Passer Rating Record
In 1994, Steve Young, Montana's successor as the 49ers' quarterback, surpassed Montana's single-season passer rating record, which he had set in 1989.
1994: Montana Faces Former Team and Playoff Appearance
Joe Montana and the Kansas City Chiefs faced Montana's former team, the San Francisco 49ers, in a highly anticipated matchup in 1994. The Chiefs emerged victorious, adding to the intrigue of the season. Despite a 9-7 record, the Chiefs secured a playoff berth but lost in the wild-card round to the Miami Dolphins.
April 18, 1995: Joe Montana Announces Retirement
On April 18, 1995, Joe Montana publicly announced his retirement from professional football in a televised event held at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco. The event featured speeches from prominent figures in Montana's career, including coach John Madden and former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., as well as highlights from his time with the team and interviews with former teammates.
December 15, 1997: 49ers Retire Montana's Number
In recognition of his contributions to the team, The San Francisco 49ers retired Joe Montana's number 16 on December 15, 1997. The event took place during halftime of a Monday Night Football game where the 49ers played against the Denver Broncos.
2004: Peyton Manning Breaks Single-Season Passer Rating Record
In 2004, Peyton Manning, then quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, broke the NFL single-season passer rating record previously held by Steve Young.
2006: Ringgold High School Renames Football Stadium in Montana's Honor
In 2006, Ringgold High School paid tribute to Joe Montana by renaming their football stadium "Joe Montana Stadium", 32 years after his graduation.
2006: Sports Illustrated's Number-One Clutch Quarterback
Sports Illustrated recognized Joe Montana as the number-one clutch quarterback of all time in 2006.
2008: Montana Sues Ex-Wife Over Memorabilia
In 2008, Joe Montana filed a lawsuit against his first wife, Kim Moses, and a Dallas auction house. Montana claimed that the auction house violated his copyright and privacy rights by selling memorabilia from his time at Notre Dame, which Moses had provided.
2011: Aaron Rodgers Breaks Single-Season Passer Rating Record
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, set a new NFL single-season passer rating record in 2011, surpassing the previous record held by Peyton Manning.
2021: Josh Allen's Record-Breaking Postseason Performance
Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, achieved the highest postseason passer rating in NFL history during the 2021-2022 season, surpassing the previous record held by Joe Montana.