Joe Montana: Cool Under Pressure

Joe's father shapes his work ethic and perfectionism, but his coaches' doubts make his transition from western Pennsylvania to Notre Dame difficult.[HISTORY Channel]

Taken by the 49ers in the third round of the 1979 NFL Draft, Joe begins his NFL career on the bench; in 1980, Joe completes one of the greatest come-from-behind victories in NFL history.[HISTORY Channel]

Joe leads the 49ers to their first Super Bowl victory in 1982; after a San Francisco regular-season record of 15 wins in 1984, Joe wins his second ring in Super Bowl XIX.[HISTORY Channel]

Joe undergoes a potentially career-ending back surgery in 1986; when the 49ers trade for Steve Young in 1987, the move starts the biggest quarterback controversy in NFL history.[HISTORY Channel]

The playoffs look out of reach in 1988, but Joe rallies the 49ers to finish 10-6 and a come-from-behind victory in Super Bowl XXIII; a year later, five touchdown passes in Super Bowl XXIV win Joe his fourth Super Bowl.[HISTORY Channel]

A second league MVP in 1990 comes to a screeching halt in the NFC Championship Game; Joe misses the following two years with an elbow injury before being traded in 1993.[HISTORY Channel]