Joe Montana's Draft Round: When Was He Picked?

Joe Montana, the name itself conjures images of clutch plays, Super Bowl victories, and an era of San Francisco 49ers dominance. But before the fame, the accolades, and the legendary status, there was the NFL Draft. The draft is where dreams begin, where teams gamble on potential, and where future stars get their first shot. For a player of Montana's caliber, you'd think he was a top pick, right? Well, the reality of Joe Montana's draft story is a bit more surprising, and honestly, it's part of what makes his rise to greatness so compelling. Let's dive into the details of when Joe Montana was drafted and explore the circumstances surrounding it. Understanding the context of the 1979 NFL Draft and the scouting reports (or lack thereof) on Montana helps paint a vivid picture of how this future Hall of Famer almost slipped through the cracks. We'll examine the quarterbacks who were selected ahead of him and what teams were thinking at the time. It's a fascinating look back at how talent evaluation has evolved and how sometimes, the most impactful players are the ones who defy expectations. And, of course, we'll explore how being a later-round pick fueled Montana's drive to prove everyone wrong. This is the story of how a relatively unknown quarterback from Notre Dame became one of the greatest to ever play the game.

The 1979 NFL Draft: A Quarterback Carousel

The 1979 NFL Draft was held on May 3, 1979, and it was a quarterback-heavy draft, with several teams looking for their franchise guy. Looking back, it's easy to say that teams missed out on Joe Montana, but at the time, there were other quarterbacks who were highly touted and considered safer bets. Names like Jack Thompson, Phil Simms, and Steve Fuller were all the rage. Jack Thompson, known as "The Throwin' Samoan," was selected third overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. Phil Simms went seventh to the New York Giants, and Steve Fuller was chosen 23rd by the Kansas City Chiefs. These quarterbacks had impressive college careers, and scouts saw them as having the size, arm strength, and leadership qualities to succeed in the NFL. What's interesting is that, at the time, the draft wasn't the media spectacle it is today. There wasn't the same level of in-depth analysis and scrutiny of every prospect. Teams relied more on their own scouting reports and evaluations, which, as we'll see, didn't always paint an accurate picture. The draft is a complex process, and teams have different needs and priorities. Some teams were looking for a quarterback who could start immediately, while others were willing to take a chance on a project player. This explains why some quarterbacks were drafted higher than others. Also, keep in mind that the NFL landscape was different back then. The passing game wasn't as emphasized as it is now, and teams often preferred quarterbacks who were good game managers and could avoid making mistakes. This might have played a role in why Montana, who wasn't seen as having a rocket arm or prototypical size, was overlooked by many teams in the earlier rounds.

Joe Montana's Draft Position: The Wait

So, where did Joe Montana land in this quarterback-rich draft? The answer might surprise you. Joe Montana was selected in the third round, with the 82nd overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers. Yes, you read that right. The guy who would go on to win four Super Bowls and become a legend wasn't even a first or second-round pick. Imagine being Joe Montana, sitting there, watching quarterback after quarterback get picked while your name isn't called. It must have been incredibly frustrating and nerve-wracking. But, in hindsight, it might have been the best thing that ever happened to him. Being drafted in the third round meant that Montana had to earn his spot. He wasn't handed the starting job; he had to prove himself every single day. This likely fueled his drive and determination to succeed. The 49ers, under the guidance of legendary coach Bill Walsh, saw something in Montana that other teams didn't. Walsh was known for his innovative West Coast offense, which emphasized short, precise passes and required a quarterback with intelligence, accuracy, and the ability to read defenses. While Montana wasn't the most physically gifted quarterback, he possessed these qualities in spades. Walsh recognized that Montana's strengths aligned perfectly with his offensive system. This is a testament to the importance of finding the right fit for a player. A player who might struggle in one system can thrive in another. The 49ers took a chance on Montana, and it paid off in a way that no one could have predicted.

Why the Low Draft Position?

Several factors contributed to Joe Montana's relatively low draft position. One key reason was his perceived lack of elite physical attributes. Compared to some of the other quarterbacks in the draft, Montana didn't have the strongest arm or the most imposing size. Scouts often prioritize these physical traits, overlooking other important qualities like accuracy, intelligence, and leadership. Another factor was Montana's up-and-down college career at Notre Dame. While he had moments of brilliance, he also had periods of inconsistency. He wasn't a full-time starter until his senior year, and his statistics weren't eye-popping. This made some teams hesitant to invest a high draft pick in him. There was also the perception that Montana wasn't a typical "prototypical" quarterback. He wasn't the tallest, strongest, or fastest. He was more of a cerebral player who relied on his instincts and ability to make quick decisions. In an era where teams often looked for quarterbacks who could physically dominate, Montana's style of play might have been seen as a liability. It's also worth noting that the draft is an inexact science. Teams make mistakes all the time. They overvalue certain players and undervalue others. In Montana's case, several teams simply misjudged his potential. They didn't see the qualities that would eventually make him a Hall of Famer. Perhaps they didn't fully understand Bill Walsh's West Coast offense and how perfectly Montana would fit into it. Whatever the reasons, the fact remains that Joe Montana was overlooked by many teams in the 1979 NFL Draft.

The Impact of Being a Third-Round Pick

Being drafted in the third round had a profound impact on Joe Montana's career. It instilled in him a sense of urgency and a relentless drive to prove himself. He knew that he wasn't the chosen one, that he had to work harder than everyone else to earn his place. This chip on his shoulder fueled his competitive spirit and helped him overcome adversity throughout his career. Montana's lower draft position also meant that he entered the NFL with less pressure than the quarterbacks who were drafted ahead of him. He wasn't expected to be an immediate superstar. This allowed him to develop at his own pace and learn from his mistakes without the intense scrutiny that comes with being a high draft pick. He had the opportunity to sit behind veteran quarterbacks like Steve DeBerg and learn the nuances of the NFL game. This patient approach ultimately benefited him in the long run. Furthermore, being a third-round pick shaped Montana's relationship with the 49ers. He knew that the team had taken a chance on him, and he was determined to reward their faith. This loyalty and dedication played a key role in the 49ers' dynasty of the 1980s. It created a bond between Montana and the organization that transcended the typical player-team relationship. In many ways, Joe Montana's draft story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding the right fit. He wasn't the most highly touted prospect, but he had the intelligence, accuracy, and leadership qualities to excel in Bill Walsh's system. And, perhaps most importantly, he had the unwavering determination to prove everyone wrong.

Montana's Hall of Fame Career: Proving the Doubters Wrong

Joe Montana went on to have one of the greatest careers in NFL history. He led the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, earning three Super Bowl MVP awards. He was known for his unwavering coolness under pressure, earning the nickname "Joe Cool." He was an eight-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro, and a two-time NFL MVP. His statistics are impressive, but they don't fully capture his impact on the game. Montana was more than just a quarterback; he was a leader, an innovator, and an inspiration. He revolutionized the way the game was played, popularizing the West Coast offense and demonstrating the importance of accuracy and decision-making. He also had an uncanny ability to elevate the play of those around him. He made his teammates better, and he inspired them to achieve greatness. Montana's success is a reminder that talent evaluation is an imperfect process. Teams often make mistakes, and sometimes the best players are the ones who are overlooked. It's also a reminder that physical attributes aren't everything. Qualities like intelligence, leadership, and determination can be just as important, if not more so. Joe Montana's story is a testament to the power of those qualities. He wasn't the biggest, strongest, or fastest quarterback, but he had the heart of a champion, and that's what ultimately made him one of the greatest to ever play the game. So, the next time you hear someone talking about the NFL Draft, remember Joe Montana. Remember that draft position isn't everything and that sometimes, the best players are the ones who have to work the hardest to get to the top.