Before Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow earned the moniker “Joe Cool” from the NFL fandom, the nickname belonged to another football player – San Francisco 49ers‘ QB Joe Montana and the NFL has recently released footage that confirmed Montana’s rightful ownership of the nickname.
In the clips from NFL Films, the four-time Super Bowl champion is seen using the sideline phone for a unique purpose than the rest of the team – surprising his wife in the middle of the game.
Joe Montana absolutely deserves his nickname
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Niners legend had always wondered what the sideline phones were for. And when he came to know that they have an outside connection, Joe did the first thing that came to his mind. Call home.
“I don’t know what made me do it. But one day I pick up the phone. What do you do normally? Hit 9 right? Gives you an outside line. I hit 9. Got a dial tone. And I dialed my house. I’d go ‘hey, how are you doing? What are you doing,” he said the first time. And after clarifying things for his wife Jennifer, he added, “I’m calling you to say I love you.”
“They have an outside line. I check in every stadium. So I’m on the sideline phone. I found out that it calls,” Montana explained to Jennifer, who was still confused.
one of the coolest things ive ever heard
— Gavin Christie (@GavinChristie10) February 24, 2023
Fans loved this and even compared Joe to other NFL legends
The Red and Gold Niners Army never had a reason to be mad with their favorite quarterback. Despite calling his wife in the middle of the game, Montana always showed up in the big moments, partnering with the legendary Jerry Rice to lead Bill Walsh’s 49ers dynasty to four Lombardi Trophies. So this video only increased fan affection.
"No, I won't forget to pick up a gallon of milk on the way home."
— Wade Sickler (@TheBon_Scott) February 24, 2023
what a legend
— Ethan 🐘 (@TySimpsonSzn) February 24, 2023
And Marino
— 🐈⬛ (@gucci_dacat) February 24, 2023
This is the absolute best dude moment ever. In a game thinking about his wife. Definitely cool.
— HOSS (@HOSSEST72) February 24, 2023
That’s so wonderful
— renee (@ReneeHogan42) February 24, 2023
NFL: “Haha that’s a cute story! Take this fine.”
— SWZR (@rjswzr) February 24, 2023
So absolutely precious 💕🥰
— ☆゚Lisa♡・。✿ (@brummett_marie) February 24, 2023
That’s all Tom had to do the keep Gisele and couldnt even do that
— Matt Galway (@Matt1237) February 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans were quick to draw comparisons between Joe and Jennifer Montana’s enduring marriage and the recently ended union of retired and divorced New England Patriots and Tampa Bay QB Tom Brady and his now-ex-wife Gisele Bündchen after the Buccaneer came out of his retirement from football last year.
WATCH THIS STORY: NFL GOAT Tom Brady’s interest in Netflix roast sparks speculation over Fox deal and Gisele Bündchen
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But seeing that Jennifer is actually Joe’s third wife, it might not be the end of the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s love line. Since their marriage in 1985, the couple has remained together and is now proud parents to four children with the surname Montana.
While many celebrity marriages may crumble under the intense spotlight of public scrutiny, the Montanas have stood the test of time and remain a shining example of true love and commitment.