Joe Montana facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Joe Montana

Montana in 2006
No. 16, 19
Position:	Quarterback
Personal information
Born:	(1956-06-11) June 11, 1956 (age 69) New Eagle, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school:	Ringgold (Carroll, Pennsylvania)
College:	Notre Dame (1974–1978)
NFL Draft:	1979 / Round: 3 / Pick: 82
Career history
San Francisco 49ers (1979) Kansas City Chiefs (1993)
Career highlights and awards
4× Super Bowl champion (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV) 3× Super Bowl MVP (XVI, XIX, XXIV) 2× NFL Most Valuable Player (1989, 1990) NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1989) NFL Co-Comeback Player of the Year (1986) 3× First-team All-Pro (1987, 1989, 1990) 2× Second-team All-Pro (1981, 1984) 8× Pro Bowl (1981, 1983–1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993) 2× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1982, 1987) 2× NFL passer rating leader (1987, 1989) 5× NFL completion percentage leader (1980, 1981, 1985, 1987, 1989) NFL 1980s All-Decade Team NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team SI Sportsman of the Year (1990) 2× AP Athlete of the Year (1989, 1990) 2× George Halas Award (1988, 1994) Bert Bell Award (1989) San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame San Francisco 49ers No. 16 retired National champion (1977)
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts: 5,391 Passing completions: 3,409 Completion percentage: 63.2% TD–INT: 273–139 Passing yards: 40,551 Passer rating: 92.3 Rushing yards: 1,676 Rushing touchdowns: 20
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Joseph Clifford Montana Jr. (born June 11, 1956) is a famous American football quarterback. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. Most of his career was with the San Francisco 49ers. People called him "Joe Cool" and "the Comeback Kid". Many think he is one of the best quarterbacks ever.

Before the NFL, Montana won a national championship with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He joined the 49ers in 1979 and played there for 14 years. With the 49ers, Montana led his team to win four Super Bowls. He was also the first player to be named the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times. He holds Super Bowl records for passes without an interception (122) and a high passer rating (127.8). In 1993, Montana moved to the Kansas City Chiefs. He played his last two seasons there. He helped the Chiefs reach their first AFC Championship Game. Montana was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

In 1986, Montana won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. He was named NFL Most Valuable Player in 1989 and 1990. Montana was chosen for eight Pro Bowls. He was also named first-team All-Pro three times. He often had the highest passer rating in the National Football Conference (NFC).

Some of his most famous plays include "the Catch". This was a game-winning touchdown pass in the 1981 NFC Championship. Another was a 92-yard drive in Super Bowl XXIII. This drive led to a Super Bowl win against the Cincinnati Bengals. These plays are often shown in NFL highlight films. The 49ers retired Montana's No. 16 jersey. He was also named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Early Life and High School Years

Joe Montana was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania. This town is in western Pennsylvania. He grew up in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, a town known for coal mining. His family was Italian-American.

Montana at Ringgold High School in 1972

Joe loved sports from a young age. His father taught him football. Joe started playing youth football at eight years old. His dad even said he was a year older so he could play.

Joe also enjoyed baseball and basketball. Basketball was his favorite sport. His father started a local basketball team for him. They practiced and played in tournaments.

Montana went to Waverly Elementary and Finleyville Junior High. He then attended Ringgold High School. There, he played football, baseball, and basketball. He was a great basketball player. He helped Ringgold win a championship in 1973. He was even offered a basketball scholarship by North Carolina State. He thought about it because he could play both sports.

In high school football, Montana was a backup for two years. As a junior, he became the starting quarterback for the Ringgold Rams. He held this spot for his last two years. After his senior year, Parade named him to their All-American team.

One game in his junior year stood out. Against Monessen High School, he threw for 223 yards. He scored three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. This game caught the eye of college recruiters. Especially those from Notre Dame. Notre Dame offered him a scholarship, and he accepted. His childhood hero, Terry Hanratty, also went to Notre Dame.

In 2006, Ringgold High School renamed their football stadium "Joe Montana Stadium".

College Football Career

Playing for Notre Dame

Joe Montana joined Notre Dame in 1974. The football team was coached by Ara Parseghian. Freshmen were not allowed to play on the varsity team then. So, Montana only played in a few junior varsity games. His first big impact came in his second year.

In December 1974, Parseghian resigned. Dan Devine became the new coach. Montana did well in spring practice in 1975. Coach Devine was very impressed. He even told his wife, "I'm gonna start Joe Montana in the final spring game."

Key Comebacks in College

Montana was not the full-time starter in 1975. But he helped Notre Dame win against North Carolina. He entered the game late with his team down 14–6. He threw for 129 yards, and Notre Dame won 21–14.

In the next game against Air Force, Notre Dame was losing 30–10. Montana came in during the fourth quarter. Notre Dame won 31–30. These games showed Montana's ability to perform well under pressure. This skill became very important throughout his career.

Injury and Championship Season

Before the 1976 season, Montana hurt his shoulder. He couldn't play that year. He was granted an extra year of eligibility.

In 1977, Montana was the third-string quarterback. But injuries to other players gave him a chance. In a game against Purdue, he entered with his team down 24–14. He threw for 154 yards and a touchdown. Notre Dame won 31–24. After this game, Montana became the starting quarterback. The team won their next nine games. They defeated top-ranked Texas 38–10 in the Cotton Bowl. Notre Dame finished with an 11–1 record. They won the national title that year.

The "Chicken Soup Game"

In 1978, Montana led Notre Dame to another comeback win against Pitt. On January 1, 1979, Notre Dame played Houston in the Cotton Bowl. It was very cold. Montana's body temperature dropped. He had to stay in the locker room at halftime. Medical staff gave him warm fluids and chicken soup. Houston was leading 34–12. Montana returned late in the third quarter. He led the Irish to three touchdowns in the last eight minutes. Notre Dame won 35–34 as time expired. This game is known as the "Chicken Soup Game".

NFL Draft Selection

Montana graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in business. NFL scouts evaluated players for the draft. Despite his college performance, most scouts didn't rate Montana highly. In the 1979 NFL draft, the San Francisco 49ers picked Montana. He was the 82nd overall pick in the third round. He was the fourth quarterback chosen that year.

Professional Football Career

San Francisco 49ers: Early Years (1979–1980)

Montana played in all 16 games in his first season (1979). But he only threw 23 passes. He was mostly a backup. He became the starting quarterback in the middle of the 1980 season.

On December 7, 1980, the 49ers played the New Orleans Saints. The Saints led 35–7 at halftime. The 49ers tied the game by the end of regular play. In overtime, the 49ers won 38–35. This was Montana's first fourth-quarter comeback win in the NFL. He had 31 such wins in his career. The 49ers finished 1980 with a 6–10 record. Montana passed for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also led the league in completion percentage (64.5%).

Super Bowl Success (1981–1984)

Montana started the 1981 season as the main quarterback. The team had a great season, finishing 13–3. Montana helped them win two games with fourth-quarter comebacks.

On January 10, 1982, the 49ers played the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game. Dallas led 27–21 late in the game. The 49ers started their drive from their own 11-yard line. Montana led them down the field. With 51 seconds left, he threw an off-balance pass. Wide receiver Dwight Clark made a leaping catch for the game-tying touchdown. The 49ers won 28–27. This play became known as The Catch. It sent the 49ers to Super Bowl XVI.

In Super Bowl XVI, the 49ers faced the Cincinnati Bengals. Montana completed 14 of 22 passes for 157 yards. He had one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. The 49ers won 26–21. Montana won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award. He won it two more times later. He became one of only two quarterbacks to win a college national championship and a Super Bowl.

The 1982 NFL season was shorter due to a strike. Montana threw for 2,613 yards and 17 touchdowns. He set an NFL record with five straight 300-yard passing games. In 1983, Montana threw for 3,910 yards and 26 touchdowns. The team made the playoffs. In a divisional game, they beat the Detroit Lions with a late touchdown pass from Montana. They lost the NFC Championship game to the Washington Redskins. Montana led a comeback from 21–0 down to tie the game. But the Redskins won with a last-second field goal.

Montana with the 49ers in Super Bowl XIX

In 1984, the 49ers had an amazing 15–1 record. They were the first team to win 15 regular season games. Montana had another excellent season. He earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl. In Super Bowl XIX, the 49ers played the Miami Dolphins and their quarterback, Dan Marino. Montana threw for three touchdowns and 331 yards. This set a Super Bowl record for passing yards. The 49ers won 38–16. Montana earned his second Super Bowl MVP award. Coach Bill Walsh called Montana "the greatest quarterback today, maybe the greatest quarterback of all time."

Injuries and More Success (1985–1988)

In 1985, the 49ers made the playoffs again. But they lost to the New York Giants.

Montana in 1986.

In 1986, Montana had a serious back injury. Doctors even suggested he retire. But he returned to play that season. He threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns in his first game back. He played in only eight games that year. He won the 1986 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

In 1987, Montana threw a career-high 31 touchdown passes. He also had a passer rating of 102.1. The 49ers had the best record in the NFL. But they lost in the playoffs to the Minnesota Vikings. Before this season, the 49ers traded for Steve Young, another talented quarterback.

By 1988, there was talk about who should start. Montana still got most of the playing time. After a tough start, Montana led the 49ers to a 10–6 record. They won their division. The 49ers reached Super Bowl XXIII. Montana said this trip was "more gratifying" because the road was harder. In the Super Bowl, Montana had one of his best games. He threw for a Super Bowl record 357 yards and two touchdowns. With 3:20 left, the 49ers were down 16–13. Montana led a 92-yard drive. He threw the game-winning touchdown pass with only 34 seconds left.

Back-to-Back Super Bowls (1989–1990)

Montana's final Super Bowl ring from XXIV

The 1989 season was very successful. The team had an NFL-best 14–2 record. Montana threw for 3,521 yards and 26 touchdowns. He had the highest single-season passer rating in NFL history at the time. He also won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. In a memorable game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Montana threw four touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. The 49ers easily won their playoff games. In Super Bowl XXIV, Montana won his third Super Bowl MVP award. He threw for 297 yards and a Super Bowl record five touchdowns. The 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 55–10. This was the most lopsided score in Super Bowl history.

In 1990, Montana again led the 49ers to a 14–2 record. He was named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated. In a game against the Atlanta Falcons, Montana threw for a career-best 476 yards. He had six touchdown passes, five to Jerry Rice. He finished the season with 3,944 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Montana's #16 jersey at the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The 49ers hoped to win three Super Bowls in a row. They reached the NFC Championship Game against the New York Giants. Montana was injured during the game. He had to leave. The Giants won 15–13.

Injury and Transition (1991–1992)

Montana at Super Bowl 50 with Steve Young, his successor as the 49ers starting quarterback

Montana missed all of the 1991 season. He also missed most of the 1992 season due to an elbow injury. He played in the final game of the 1992 season. He showed he was still effective. But by then, Steve Young had become the starting quarterback for the 49ers. Montana did not play another snap for the 49ers.

Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994)

Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993. He signed a $10 million contract. His arrival created a lot of excitement in Kansas City. He chose to wear number 19.

Montana was injured for part of the 1993 season. But he was still chosen for his last Pro Bowl. The Chiefs won their division for the first time in 22 years. Montana led the Chiefs to two comeback wins in the playoffs. In the AFC Championship Game, Kansas City lost to the Buffalo Bills. Montana suffered a concussion during the game.

Montana returned healthy in 1994. He started almost every game. Highlights included a great game against John Elway and the Denver Broncos. Montana and the Chiefs won 31–28. He also played against his old team, the San Francisco 49ers and Steve Young. Montana and the Chiefs won 24–17. He led his team to a 9–7 record and another playoff spot. They lost in the wild-card round to the Miami Dolphins.

Montana loved playing at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. He remembered the "unbelievable roar" from the fans. He said the fan base was "one of the best in the NFL".

Retirement from Football

Montana at the California Museum Hall of Fame on March 21, 2013

On April 18, 1995, Joe Montana announced his retirement. The event was broadcast live. Many important people spoke, including John Madden and Eddie DeBartolo Jr.. Highlights from his career were shown. Bill Walsh, his former coach, hosted the event.

NFL Achievements and Records

Montana was known for staying calm under pressure. He led his teams to 32 fourth-quarter comeback wins. "The Catch" in the 1981 NFC Championship was one example. Another was his 92-yard game-winning drive in Super Bowl XXIII.

With the 49ers, Montana completed 2,929 passes for 35,142 yards. He had 244 touchdowns and 123 interceptions. He had 35 games with over 300 passing yards. His career totals include 3,409 completions, 40,551 passing yards, and 273 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,676 yards and 20 touchdowns. When he retired, his career passer rating was 92.3. This was second only to Steve Young.

Montana won 100 games faster than any other quarterback until 2008. His record as a starter was 117 wins and 47 losses. The 49ers retired his number 16 jersey on December 15, 1997.

In playoff games, Montana is second in many records. These include games with a passer rating over 100.0 (12), career postseason touchdown passes (45), and passing yards (5,772). He is undefeated in four Super Bowl appearances. He completed 83 of 122 passes for 1,142 yards. He had 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in Super Bowls. His Super Bowl passer rating is 127.8. He was the first player to win three Super Bowl MVP awards. He also holds the Super Bowl record for most pass attempts (122) without an interception.

He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times. He was chosen as All-Pro six times. He is also the only player with two touchdown passes over 95 yards. The NFL Network ranked Montana #4 on their list of The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players. He was the highest-ranked quarterback on the list.

NFL Records

• Most pass attempts without throwing an interception in a Super Bowl: 122
• Most wins in a Super Bowl without a loss: 4 (tied with Terry Bradshaw)
• Passing touchdowns in a single postseason: 11 (1989) (tied)

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Nicknames and Personal Life

Montana earned the nickname "Joe Cool" for his calm attitude in big moments. He was also called "Comeback Kid" for his many late-game rallies. His teammates called him "Bird Legs" because of his thin legs. He was also known as "Golden Joe" because he played in California, the "Golden State".

Montana has been married three times. He met Jennifer Wallace, an actress and model, and they married in 1985. They have four children, two daughters and two sons. His son Nate played college football. His other son, Nick, also played college football.

Montana lives in San Francisco. He owns horses and makes wine under the label Montagia. He often works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

See also

In Spanish: Joe Montana para niños

• Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame
• History of Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks
• List of NFL quarterbacks who have posted a perfect passer rating
• List of quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl wins
• List of celebrities who own wineries and vineyards