San Francisco 49ers: Top 20 games in franchise history
By Jerod Brown
Week 17 of the 1992 season would be Joe Montana’s final game as a 49er. During the 1990 NFC Championship Game, Montana was injured on a big hit from New York Giants’ defensive lineman Leonard Marshall. The injuries suffered on the hit forced Montana out of action for the entire 1991 season and most of the 1992 season as well.
The 49ers were already making the transition to Steve Young.
The final week of the 1992 season would be Montana’s curtain call with the team. With the 49ers leading 7-6 at halftime, Montana entered the game and played the entire second half. Naturally, Joe was as cool as ever, and the 49ers pulled away from the Lions and won 24-6 behind a 17 point fourth quarter.
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As impressive as Montana played, it was clear by then that Young was the new man for the job at quarterback. Montana never played another snap for the 49ers and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in the following offseason.
Montana will be mentioned as one of the best quarterbacks of all time and holds a memorable place in many 49ers fans’ hearts. The story of the 49ers and their historic run throughout the 80s was possible because of the incredibly poised QB from Notre Dame. Although the game was relatively dull on the field, its value remains as a top game in franchise history.
Next: The 49ers Win the First of Many