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When Joe Montana was picked in the third round of the 1979 draft by the San Francisco 49ers, no one would have predicted that the injury-prone Notre Dame grad would lead the team to four Super Bowls in the 1980s. But Montana had a way of defying the conventional wisdom.

Known as the "Comeback Kid" for his ability to rally his team when they were behind, Monta...

Montana’s career with the 49ers was characterized by successive seasons of brilliance, punctuated by years when he was plagued by problems on and off the field. After a dazzling 1981, which included a legendary come-from-behind victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC title game and an MVP award for his part in the team’s win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI, Montana’s stats sank in 1982 when NFL players went out on strike.

Montana threw more than 25 touchdown passes in each of the 1983, 1984, and 1985 seasons, but back surgery put him out of commission for almost half of 1986. Four more amazing years followed from 1987-1990, but an elbow injury late in the 1990 season sidelined him for all of 1991 and all but one game in 1992.

In 1993 he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, for whom he played two seasons before announcing his retirement in 1995. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Normally rookie cards are issued at the beginning of a player’s second season, but Topps waited until 1981 to print Montana’s, which is probably his most collectible football card. Contemporary cards such as Donruss limited edition autograph cards and cards with swatches of jersey material from Montana’s 49ers and Chiefs uniforms are also in demand. And autographed footballs, helmets, and jerseys remain perennial favorites.

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The 15 Best Day 1 Rookie Starters in NFL History
Bleacher Report, May 24th

You'll notice players like Jerry Rice, Brett Favre and Joe Montana are not on this list. This is because it took time for them to eventually crack the starting lineup. If I missed someone or incorrectly added someone on the list, feel free to chime in...Read more

Why a Quarterback Controversy Is Not Always a Bad Thing
Bleacher Report, May 23rd

Having two quarterbacks means you don't even have one quarterback In the late '80s the San Francisco 49ers had a QB controversy growing between Steve Young and Joe Montana. I think they had two pretty darn good QBs during that time...Read more

49ers working on Hall of Fame next to new stadium
San Francisco Chronicle (blog), May 18th

The Mizuno cleats Joe Montana wore when he threaded a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor in Super Bowl XXIII currently reside in an office in San Jose. The 49ers' helmet car that transported injured players off the field is hanging out in the bowels...Read more

49ers working on Hall of Fame next to new stadium
San Francisco Chronicle, May 18th

The Mizuno cleats Joe Montana wore when he threaded a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor in Super Bowl XXIII currently reside in an office in San Jose. The 49ers' helmet car that transported injured players off the field is hanging out in the bowels...Read more

Nate Montana transfers to D2 school
FOXSports.com, May 17th

Nate Montana, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, will continue his own quarterback career with NCAA Division II school West Virginia Wesleyan following a transfer from the University of Montana. Montana Jr. was a walk-on at his father's alma...Read more

Joe Montana's son leaving Montana for West Virginia Wesleyan
FOX 4 News, May 17th

Nate Montana, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, will continue his own quarterback career with NCAA Division II school West Virginia Wesleyan following a transfer from the University of Montana. Montana Jr. was a walk-on at his father's alma...Read more

Joe Montana's son Nate transfers to West Virginia Wesleyan
NFL News, May 16th

By Albert Breer By Albert Breer The son of Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana will transfer to West Virginia Wesleyan, according to head coach Jonas Jackson. In light of the bounty saga, Junior Seau's suicide and mounting lawsuits,...Read more

Joe Montana witnesses The Proposal in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Review - Journal, May 9th

"Taking a knee" had a whole new meaning for Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana last Friday during an autograph-signing appearance in Las Vegas. Montana was signing a football for Dominic Ayala of San Diego at Field of Dreams, the sports memorabilia...Read more