Joe Montana, born Joseph Clifford Montana Jr. on June 11, 1956, is a former professional American football quarterback. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Montana was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the Monongahela Valley. He attended Ringgold High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball.

Montana continued his football career at the University of Notre Dame, where he played from 1975 to 1978. He led the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1977 and earned the nickname “The Comeback Kid” for his ability to rally his team from behind in critical moments. Montana’s impressive college career caught the attention of NFL scouts.