In a recent interview with CNBC’s Alex Sherman, Montana discussed his decision to retire after two seasons in Kansas City. He pointed to a missed opportunity during the 1993 campaign that still resonates with him decades later.

“Unfortunately, we screwed up in Kansas City and lost a game that cost us home-field advantage and ended up going to Buffalo,” Montana said. “We should have gone to the Super Bowl that year.”

He added that while he loved his time with the Chiefs, a concussion and concerns about his long-term health ultimately influenced his decision to step away from football.

Montana’s tenure with the Chiefs

The Chiefs finished 11- 5 in 1993, Montana’s first season with the franchise, capturing their first division title in 22 years. Kansas City advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1969 season, but fell to the Buffalo Bills on the road.

Montana posted a 17- 8 regular-season record over two years in Kansas City. He threw for 5,427 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, providing veteran leadership and immediate credibility to a franchise seeking postseason relevance.

During the 1993 and 1994 NFL seasons, Montana revitalized the Chiefs and earned his eighth and final Pro Bowl selection in his first year with the team. Although his stint in Kansas City was brief compared to his time in San Francisco, the Chiefs benefited from his experience and poise, and Montana later acknowledged that retiring when he did may have cost him one more legitimate run at a Super Bowl.

49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana explained why he was rooting for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. “Heck yeah. I’m all for Sam Darnold,” Montana said Tuesday on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. His comments quickly drew attention across the league, given the historic rivalry between the franchises and Montana’s iconic status in San Francisco.

“The things that he’s been through, the places that he’s played, the games that he’s won, even here in San Francisco before he got to Minnesota, like c’mon,” Montana said. “I saw a stat that he won 28 games with the last two teams he was with. He’s now getting another chance here and he’s doing the same thing. I’m pulling for him. I’m an NFC guy most of the time anyway, but I’m all about Sam. He’s a good guy, a good player. I’m happy for him.”

It is worth remembering that Darnold spent the 2023 season with the 49ers as Brock Purdy’s backup. His brief tenure in San Francisco opened the door to a new opportunity in Minnesota, where he became the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2024 and led the franchise to a 14–3 record. He later earned a similar chance in Seattle, guiding the Seahawks to Super Bowl LX, where they were set to face the New England Patriots.

How Darnold arrived in Seattle

On March 13, 2025, the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders for a third-round draft pick. That same day, Seattle signed veteran quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract, signaling a clear shift in direction at the position.

Darnold was coming off a remarkable season in which he led the Vikings to a 14–3 record. Like Smith, Darnold had once been labeled a draft disappointment during his time with the Jets, but he proved his resurgence was no fluke by delivering another 14–3 campaign with Seattle the following year.

He completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions that season. Darnold guided the Seahawks to a first-round playoff bye and their first Super Bowl appearance since 2015 with postseason victories over the 49ers and the Rams, solidifying one of the most notable turnaround stories in recent NFL history.

According to Opta Stats on their X account, Love became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete 20+ consecutive passes, throw for 350+ yards, deliver 3+ touchdown passes, and achieve 0 turnovers and 0 sacks—all within a single game.

Despite Brady’s illustrious 20-year career and Montana‘s 17-year legacy, neither accomplished this feat. Other NFL greats, such as Peyton Manning and Brett Favre, also fell short of this achievement, despite their championships and historical impact.

Love now faces the challenge of maintaining this high performance throughout the regular season. Packers fans are undoubtedly hopeful that this resurgence could lead the team back to the Super Bowl, reminiscent of their last appearance with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.

Examining Love’s performance in the regular season

In seven games with the Packers, Love has delivered impressive statistics this regular season. He has completed 151 of 213 passes, amassed 1,798 passing yards, secured 83 first downs, and thrown 13 touchdown passes, indicating his focused and formidable play this year.

Though these stats don’t fully mirror the Packers’ 5-1-1 record, they are sufficient to sustain optimism about securing a playoff berth, and potentially, making a Super Bowl run this season.

This promising outlook heralds a potential return to Super Bowl glory for the Packers, who aim to capture a title 15 years after their last triumph under the guidance of Mike McCarthy and with Rodgers as their quarterback.

Several names are regularly thrown into the mix when it comes to the greatest signal-caller the league has ever seen. Some even believe that current stars—like Patrick Mahomes—could very well join that conversation in the not-so-distant future.

However, when it came time to make his pick, Marino didn’t hesitate to name four-time Super Bowl champion and San Francisco 49ers icon Joe Montana.

“He [Montana] was the best I’ve ever seen,” the former Dolphins standout claimed during an appearance at the Fanatics Fest event.

When explaining why he didn’t choose the legendary Patriots quarterback, Marino couldn’t ignore a controversial incident that remains a topic of debate to this day: “Tom Brady was pretty good too, but he had deflated balls.”

The controversial Deflategate scandal

The Deflategate scandal, which occurred during the 2014 AFC Championship, involved accusations that the New England Patriots intentionally deflated footballs. The NFL‘s investigation concluded it was “more probable than not” that balls were tampered with and that Tom Brady was “at least generally aware.” This led to Brady’s four-game suspension, a team fine, and loss of draft picks, sparking intense debate about the Patriots’ integrity.

For many, Deflategate cast a shadow on Brady’s career, making them question his GOAT status. Critics argue it suggests a willingness to cheat for an advantage, implying his success wasn’t purely skill-based. While supporters dismiss it as minor, the lingering perception of wrongdoing continues to influence opinions, preventing some from considering him the undisputed greatest player.

Montana’s greatest achievements

Joe Montana’s unparalleled success in the biggest games is a key reason many, including Dan Marino, consider him the GOAT. Montana famously led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories in the 1980s, winning Super Bowl MVP honors three times.

He was renowned for his calm demeanor under pressure, earning the nickname “Joe Cool” for his ability to lead game-winning drives. His consistent clutch play and perfect SB record cemented his reputation as the ultimate winner.

Marino, a contemporary of Montana, often highlights his rival’s exceptional talent and precision. While he held numerous passing records, he acknowledged Montana’s unique ability to elevate his team to championships, which ultimately set him apart in the eyes of many peers and fans alike.

“I wanted to be the best. I wanted to play football. When I was six years old, I watched Joe Montana lead the 49ers down on The Drive in the Super Bowl. That’s what I wanted to do, but, I didn’t just want to be good. Anything I’ve wanted to, I wanted to be the best. My motivation is never to just be average.”

Without a doubt, Rodgers is in the conversation as one of the top 10 quarterbacks of all time after winning a Super Bowl and four MVP awards with the Green Bay Packers.

Who is the greatest NFL quarterback of all time?

Aaron Rodgers once again mentioned that Joe Montana is his favorite quarterback in NFL history. Additionally, the Steelers quarterback revealed that another sports star was a major inspiration for him.

“All my favorite players were the best. Joe Montana, one of the greatest of all time. He was my favorite player. Michael Jordan, he’s my favorite player. Michael’s the GOAT. There’s no arguments. So, my role models as a kid are the best of all time.”

Constructing the perfect quarterback in NFL history is no easy task, given the wealth of legendary options. Speaking with House of Highlights, Lawrence outlined his ideal signal-caller based on five key attributes: arm strength, accuracy, mobility, pocket awareness, and football IQ.

For arm strength, Lawrence went with Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre. When it came to accuracy, he unsurprisingly picked Brady, widely regarded as the frontrunner in the GOAT conversation. For mobility, he chose former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick, while Patrick Mahomes got the nod for pocket awareness. Finally, in terms of football IQ, Lawrence selected Peyton Manning.

As expected, Lawrence’s selections sparked plenty of discussion on social media. While his picks were well received, many fans quickly pointed out the omission of Joe Montana, often praised for his pinpoint passing and clutch performances. Dan Marino’s name also surfaced in the conversation, as the Miami Dolphins legend remains one of the most gifted passers in league history.

Lawrence shares thoughts on new head coach

With Lian Coen recently announced as the new head coach, Lawrence didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts during an appearance on Up & Adams Show. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback discussed the role he expects to play this season after falling short last year.

“I just try to stay consistent. You know, I’ve had a pretty crazy journey, and like you said, a lot of different coaches and staff changes so far in my career,” Lawrence said. “I think my rookie year was so wild that it actually helped prepare me for when things do change or adversity hits.”

Lawrence also emphasized the importance of stability moving forward. “I’d love for things to stay consistent and be stable from here on out. You know, that’s the goal,” he added.

Lawrence provides injury update

As Lawrence continues his offseason, his primary focus remains on recovery after suffering an injury late in the regular season. The Jaguars‘ signal-caller offered an update on his progress.

“It’s going well. I got the sling off a month ago,” Lawrence said during the interview. The quarterback is now working to regain his rhythm ahead of the new season, a promising sign for Jacksonville as they look to improve on last year’s performance.

Montana, along with Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, and John Elway, is often mentioned among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. But when it comes to choosing between himself and Brady, his response has been different. In an interview with Sports Illustrated two years ago, Montana took part in a QB showdown where he had to pick between some of the league’s all-time best.

First, he was asked to decide between John Elway and Terry Bradshaw—he picked Bradshaw. Next, it was Bradshaw vs. Roger Staubach, and Montana stuck with Bradshaw. When the choice came down to Bradshaw or Lamar Jackson, he surprisingly opted for Jackson. He then picked Fran Tarkenton over Jackson, Aaron Rodgers over Tarkenton, and ultimately, Brady over Rodgers.

Finally, the last question was: Tom Brady or Joe Montana? “I’m taking me for sure (laughs),” Montana said. With that response, he made it clear that he considers himself one of the most important players in NFL history, even ahead of Brady. However, that didn’t necessarily mean he ranked himself as the best quarterback of all time, Montana had already made his choice earlier in the exercise.

Montana reveals his top 5 quarterbacks in NFL history

As a four-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Montana is no stranger to all-time rankings. Now, the San Francisco 49ers legend has revealed his own top five quarterbacks of all time—featuring some surprising inclusions and omissions, particularly regarding Patrick Mahomes, Peyton Manning, and other iconic names.

Topping Montana’s list is a rare tie between NFL icon Dan Marino and New England Patriots legend Tom Brady. “I made my own rules,” Montana quipped when asked why he allowed two players to share the No. 1 spot.

In second place, Montana paired Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes with Indianapolis Colts great Peyton Manning, emphasizing their profound impact on the game. Rounding out his rankings at No. 3 is former Green Bay Packers standout Aaron Rodgers, the only quarterback on his list without a shared spot.

Why Montana deserves his place among the all-time greats

Few players in NFL history have a résumé as decorated as Montana’s. A true 49ers legend, the Hall of Fame quarterback built an unparalleled legacy with multiple championships, individual accolades, and an undeniable impact on the sport.

Here are some of Joe Montana’s most prestigious NFL achievements:

• 4x Super Bowl Champion (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV)
• 3x Super Bowl MVP (XVI, XIX, XXIV)
• 2x NFL Most Valuable Player (1989, 1990)
• NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1989)
• NFL Co-Comeback Player of the Year (1986)
• 3x First-team All-Pro (1987, 1989, 1990)
• 2x Second-team All-Pro (1981, 1984)
• 8x Pro Bowl (1981, 1983–1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993)
• NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
• NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
• Pro Football Hall of Fame (inducted 2000)

Mahomes has already revolutionized the position with his blend of improvisational brilliance and razor-sharp accuracy. With two league MVP awards and multiple playoff comebacks under his belt, he’s proven himself a generational talent. But a fourth Super Bowl victory would elevate him from a modern marvel to a timeless icon in the sport, solidifying his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.

Montana, a four-time Super Bowl champion himself, recently weighed in on Mahomes’ pursuit of greatness during an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I don’t think that he has to do anything to catch up,” Montana said, emphasizing the significance of what Mahomes has already accomplished in his young career with the Chiefs.

Comparing generations: the changing quarterback landscape

While Montana‘s era was defined by precision passing and resilience in a more physically demanding league, today’s quarterbacks operate in a game that offers more protection and greater offensive creativity. Montana highlighted the evolving role of mobility and adaptability at the quarterback position.

“I think the biggest thing is as a quarterback, you don’t always have to be mobile,” Montana observed. “You just have to be aware of the pressure, feel it, and be able to move a little bit just to bide time. Because the way the rules are today, your wide receivers are going to get open.”

Mahomes embodies this philosophy perfectly. While his ability to escape pressure is often celebrated, it’s his awareness and decision-making under duress that truly set him apart. Montana’s comments underscore how Mahomes has found a balance between old-school poise and modern innovation.

As Mahomes continues to redefine the position, his pursuit of a fourth championship not only cements his individual greatness but also serves as a testament to how the quarterback role has evolved. Should he hoist the Lombardi Trophy once again, the conversation about his place in NFL history will no longer be about potential—he will have firmly etched his name among the game’s all-time elite.

According to Montana’s statements on The Rich Eisen Show, he asserted that Purdy is more than perfect for the 49ers, comparing him to other quarterbacks who earn a lot but achieve little. “You gotta pay him. I can show you 4 or 5 guys in the league making tons of money that haven’t produced anywhere near what he’s been able to do.” Additionally, the former player said that injuries were to blame for the team’s poor season recently.

For Montana, the 49ers’ problem last season was injuries, but there were also trade talks that affected the team. “They just had one of those years where guys were getting hurt offensively and defensively, craziness in the beginning of the year with talking trades with the wide receiver and then he gets hurt.”

It’s worth noting that this is Brock Purdy‘s first “bad” season, as prior to the struggles of 2024, he had two winning seasons—5-0 in 2022 and 12-4 in 2023, during which the 49ers won the conference championship and reached the Super Bowl.

This isn’t the first time Joe Montana has weighed in on a quarterback situation

In 2023, Montana himself urged the 49ers to re-sign Jimmy Garoppolo, stating, “You gotta go with the guy that’s been winning the games,” acknowledging that Garoppolo had delivered important victories for the team. Montana also criticized Trey Lance, saying, “I can’t say the same for Trey [Lance]. You don’t know that from him. I don’t think it’s hard. I think you just start Jimmy.”

How Many Super Bowls Did Joe Montana Win with San Francisco?

Joe Montana won a total of four Super Bowl rings (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989) while playing for the 49ers from 1979 to 1992. He was one of the few quarterbacks to win back-to-back NFL titles, though he was never named Super Bowl MVP. However, he did earn back-to-back NFL MVP honors in 1989 and 1990—his final standout seasons with San Francisco before moving on to Kansas City.

The quarterback position is undoubtedly one of the most important roles within a football team, and many players throughout history have stood out both during their time in college and once they made the leap to the world’s most prestigious league.

However, and although it may seem surprising, there aren’t many cases where the same quarterback has managed to win both the National Championship in the NCAA and the Super Bowl in the NFL. Here, we take a look back at the players who achieved this remarkable feat, as well as some interesting details surrounding these accomplishments.

Which quarterbacks won an NCAA National Championship and Super Bowl?

In the 1960s, there was one name that defined an era in the sport. The talented Joe Namath, one of the greatest quarterbacks in history, was the first QB to achieve the remarkable feat of winning both a Super Bowl title and a National Championship.

In 1964, Namath led his Alabama Crimson Tide to a strong 10-1 record, becoming SEC Champions. Despite losing to Texas in the Orange Bowl, Alabama was recognized as National champions by both the AP and UPI prior to that loss.

Chosen by the New York Jets in 1965, Namath slowly began to take control of the team. The pinnacle of his career came in January 1969, when the quarterback led his team to a Super Bowl III victory, defeating the Baltimore Colts 16-7. That was the first time an AFL team had beaten an NFL team in the Super Bowl.

In addition to securing that epic title for his team, Joe Namath was named the MVP of Super Bowl III.

Joe Montana, the second QB to win both a National Championship and a Super Bowl title

Representing Notre Dame, Joe Montana began his successful American football career by winning the National Championship in the NCAA in 1977. At that time, the Fighting Irish won the title by defeating the previously unbeaten and No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic with a score of 38–10.

From that moment on, Montana’s name began to gain more and more recognition in the sport. In the 1979 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected him at the end of the third round with the 82nd overall pick.

It was in the Bay Area where the QB made history in the NFL, winning four Super Bowl titles in editions XVI, XIX, XXIII, and XXIV. Additionally, in three of those four victories, Montana was named Super Bowl MVP.

Tom Brady’s case: From underdog to NFL legend

In this review of quarterbacks who have won both an NCAA Championship Title and a Super Bowl, both Namath and Montana have proven themselves as outstanding starting QBs for their teams.

Tom Brady‘s case is perhaps a bit different, although he too achieved both titles. In the 1997 season, while wearing the colors of the Michigan Wolverines, Brady served as a backup to Brian Griese. That season, Michigan went undefeated and claimed the NCAA Championship.

His arrival in the NFL is now a well-known story. Alongside Bill Belichick, Tom Brady built a dynasty with the New England Patriots, six Super Bowl titles and marking an era in the league. His latest great achievement? Lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy once again outside New England, this time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On the other hand, Brian Griese’s case is the opposite of Brady’s. Griese was the starting QB for the Michigan Wolverines in 1997, leading them to the NCAA Championship. However, during his NFL career, he won a Super Bowl as a backup. In that Super Bowl, the Denver Broncos triumphed over the Falcons with a 34-19 victory, and the starting QB for that team was the veteran John Elway.

Ken Stabler, another privileged QB to win both a National Championship and a Super Bowl

Ken Stabler is another of the privileged few to have achieved both a National Championship and a Super Bowl title. Stabler led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a National Championship in 1965, securing the title with a strong season performance.

Later, in the NFL, Stabler made his mark with the Oakland Raiders. He led the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory in 1977, winning Super Bowl XI against the Minnesota Vikings with a 32-14 score. Stabler’s leadership and clutch performances earned him a place as one of the NFL’s great quarterbacks.

Jalen Hurts, the most recent QB to win both a National Championship and a Super Bowl

Jalen Hurts has etched his name in the annals of football history. In Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, securing his first NFL title.

Before his NFL success, Hurts made his mark in college football. During the 2017 NCAA season, he led Alabama to a National Championship game against nGeorgia. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Hurts was benched at halftime for Tua Tagovailoa after the Bulldogs took a 13-0 lead. Tagovailoa stepped in and guided the Crimson Tide to a thrilling 26-23 victory, clinching the championship.

The curious case of Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman is another quarterback who could be categorized as having succeeded both in the National Championship and the Super Bowl. Aikman won three Vince Lombardy Trophies with the Dallas Cowboys, but his college career tells a different story. He was the starting QB for the Oklahoma Sooners in 1985, but an injury sidelined him before the team could compete for the National Championship that season.

After being selected with the first overall pick in the first round by the Cowboys, Aikman gradually became an emblem of the franchise. The talented quarterback went on to win three Super Bowl titles, in editions XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.

During his time with the Sooners, the QB suffered a serious ankle injury, which forced him to miss that historic season in which his teammates ultimately went on to win the championship.

With the Chiefs’ win over the Buffalo Bills in the 2025 AFC Championship Game, Mahomes now boasts 17 playoff victories, one more than the San Francisco 49ers legend. However, he still has a long way to go to catch up to the 7x Super Bowl champion.

Mahomes still needs 18 playoff wins to match the number achieved by Brady, who celebrated 35 postseason victories throughout his illustrious career. It doesn’t look easy, but the Chiefs star may make it if he keeps up with this rythm.

Mahomes aiming to achieve NFL feat that not even Brady, Montana achieved

At just 29, Mahomes has the chance to become the first quarterback in NFL history to celebrate three consecutive Super Bowl wins. We’re talking about a feat that not even Brady got to pull off.

The Texas Tech product heads into Super Bowl LIX with three rings under his belt. After leading Kansas City to victory in the 2019 NFL season, the quarterback added two more championships in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

With three Super Bowl rings to his name, Mahomes is one title away from Montana, who won the big game four times with the 49ers. In the meantime, the Chiefs QB is four rings shy of Brady, who boasts the NFL’s all-time record with an impressive seven championships.