Classic SI Photos of Joe Montana

Classic SI Photos of Joe Montana

Neil Leifer

Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana looks to pass against Texas on Jan. 2, 1978 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The Fighting Irish won the game, 38-10, and were awarded the national championship.

Andy Hayt

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana smiles during a game against the Houston Oilers on Dec. 13, 1981 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Andy Hayt

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana dives for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI on Jan. 24, 1982 at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich.

Andy Hayt

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana appears on the Jan. 25, 1982 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Heinz Kluetmeier

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana carries the ball against the New York Jets on Oct. 30, 1983 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Andy Hayt

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana throws a pass to running back Roger Craig during Super Bowl XIX against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 20, 1985 at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif.

John Iacono

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana gets up after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during Super Bowl XIX on Jan. 20, 1985 at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif.

Richard Mackson

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana leads his team down the field against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XXIII on Jan. 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami.

John Iacono

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana appears on the Oct. 2, 1989 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Heinz Kluetmeier

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana holds a framed photograph of his daughters, alongside wide receiver Jerry Rice and sportscaster Brent Musburger, after winning Super Bowl XXIV against the Denver Broncos on Jan. 28, 1990 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

John W. McDonough

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana and guard Guy McIntyre appear on the Feb. 5, 1990 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Peter Read Miller

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice and quarterback Joe Montana chat on the sidelines during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 9, 1990 at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati.

Peter Read Miller

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana appears on the Dec. 24, 1990 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Walter Iooss Jr.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana poses during a photo shoot on Sept. 8, 1991 in Redwood City, Calif.

Walter Iooss Jr.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana looks at film with SI photographer Walter Iooss Jr. during a photo shoot on Sept. 8, 1991 in Redwood City, Calif.

Peter Read Miller

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana appears on the July 27, 1992 cover of Sports Illustrated.

John Biever

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana congratulates Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith after their NFC Championship Game on Jan. 17, 1993 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Peter Read Miller

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Joe Montana appears on the April 26, 1993 cover of Sports Illustrated.

John Biever

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Joe Montana appears on the Sept. 13, 1993 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Peter Read Miller

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Joe Montana appears on the Jan. 24, 1994 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Peter Read Miller

Joe Montana and his family appear on the April 24, 1995 cover of Sports Illustrated.

Walter Iooss Jr.

John Elway and Joe Montana pose together on Dec. 2, 1999.

Peter Read Miller

Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana pose together on June 20, 2000.

David Bergman

Dan Marino and Joe Montana stand together during the NFL Draft on April 22, 2010 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Brad Mangin

Joe Montana and Jerry Rice get ready for a flag football game on July 12, 2014 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.