A third-round pick in the 1979 draft, Joe Montana became one of the best quarterbacks in National Football League history. He retired in 1995 after playing 16 seasons, during which he compiled four Super Bowl victories, the highest quarterback rating (92.3) of any non-active passer in history, 273 touchdowns, 3,409 completions, 40,551 passing yards—an astonishing career record. Described by 49ers broadcaster Wayne Walker as "cooler than the other side of the pillow," Joe Montana was best known for his ability to perform under pressure.

Born in western Pennsylvania—the same region that produced other NFL quarterbacks such as George Blanda, Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino—Montana played baseball, basketball, and football in high school; however, despite being offered a basketball scholarship to North Carolina State, he chose Notre Dame and football. Montana left high school a Parade All-American and began his collegiate career as one of...