Joe Montana Legacy of the Gridiron...

Born June 11, 1956, was Joe Montana, the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback that played for the San Francisco 49ers & the Kansas City Chiefs. Joe hails from Notre Dame where he was the signal caller and guided the Irish to be National Champions in 1977.

He earned the nickname, the "Come Back Kid" in the following year when he played in a frigid temperature Cotton Bowl. The QB was suffering from hypothermia at halftime and he stayed in the locker room being fed chicken soup and warm I.V.s. When he returned in the second half his team trailed 34-12 to the University of Houston when Montana guided the rally for a ND 35-34 win. The Pro Football Hall of Fame states that his uncanny ability to bring a team back from apparent defeat was so common that it simply became referred to as “Montana Magic.” A true student of the game, Montana won the NFL’s passing title in both 1987 and 1989. He topped the NFC in passing five times (1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1989).

Joe threw for more than 300 yards in a game 39 different times in his career and 7 of those had yardage over 400 yards too. His six 300-yard passing performances in the post-season are an NFL record. He also owns the career playoff record for attempts, completions, touchdowns, and yards gained passing. In the NFL he became known as Joe Cool where he guided the 49ers to 4 Super Bowl victories under Bill Walsh. His amazing 15 seasons included 40,551 passing yards as he also earned a spot in 8 Pro Bowls.

Relive the improbable Hall of Fame career of Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted defensive back who became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense.

"Lockdown" Legend: The Unbelievable Journey of Emmitt Thomas

Born on June 3, 1943, in Angleton, Texas, Emmitt Thomas defied expectations from the very beginning of his professional football journey. Despite his impressive 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame and undeniable athletic talent, the defensive back from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, went unselected in the 1966 NFL Draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, recognizing his potential, signed him as a free agent, a decision that would prove to be one of the franchise's shrewdest moves.

College Career:

Emmitt Thomas honed his skills at Bishop College, a historically Black college. While primarily known for his defensive prowess in the pros, Thomas showcased his versatility in college, playing wide receiver and even some quarterback in addition to his duties in the secondary. It was his athletic ability and raw talent that caught the eye of a Chiefs scout, leading to his unexpected opportunity in professional football.

Road to the Pro Game:

Going undrafted presented a significant hurdle, but Thomas seized his chance with the Chiefs. He made the team in 1966 and quickly proved his worth. Despite the initial oversight by other NFL teams, Thomas's talent and dedication shone through, earning him a spot on the Chiefs' roster and the beginning of a remarkable career.

Football Legacy:

Emmitt Thomas became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons (1966-1978), establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era. His impact on the franchise is undeniable, setting a Chiefs' club record with 58 career interceptions, a mark that still stands. The 1969 season was particularly special, as he led the AFL with 9 interceptions, followed by an incredible playoff performance with three more picks, including one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In 1974, he recorded an astounding 12 interceptions, just two shy of the NFL record at the time. A five-time All-AFL/AFC selection and five-time Pro Bowler, Thomas also earned All-NFL honors in multiple years during the early 1970s. His consistent excellence and ball-hawking abilities earned him a well-deserved enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a Hall of Famer exemplifies perseverance and talent.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats: Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008)
Super Bowl Champion (IV)
AFL Champion (1966)

5-time Pro Bowl selection (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)

5-time All-AFL/AFC selection (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)
All-NFL First Team (1974)
All-NFL Second Team (1969, 1971, 1975)
AFL Interceptions Leader (1969)
NFL Interceptions Leader (1974)
Kansas City Chiefs Career Interception Leader (58)
NFL Career Stats: 181 games played, 58 interceptions, 937 interception return yards, 5 interception touchdowns.