A former 49ers quarterback, now 69 years old, still quietly helps maintain Levi's Stadium every morning. He says that when he hears the fans shout “Go Niners,” every ache of age disappears.
Santa Clara, CA – Long after the cheers faded and the pads came off, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback still reports to work at Levi's Stadium — not to throw touchdowns, but to care for the very field he once led to greatness.
Now 69 years old, he begins each day before sunrise, helping the grounds crew maintain the turf that has seen generations of 49ers players come and go. For him, it’s not about nostalgia — it’s about belonging.
That man is Joe Montana, who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1992, anchoring the offense and leading the team through its most successful years, including four Super Bowl victories. While never one to seek the spotlight, he was the steady hand that guided the 49ers to unparalleled success.
Montana appeared in 192 career games and started 144, earning a reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. His leadership, calm under pressure, and ability to perform in big moments earned him quiet reverence from teammates and fans alike.
Teammates called him “The Comeback King” — not for flashy stats, but for the way he carried the 49ers through some of the most iconic moments in NFL history, including the unforgettable Super Bowl victories.
After his retirement in the 1990s, Montana stayed connected to the Bay Area, working in various business and charitable ventures before eventually returning to Levi's Stadium, the place that felt most like home.
Today, he can be seen walking the field with a rake in hand, fixing divots and checking the turf before each home game. When asked why, he just smiles and says it keeps him close to the game that shaped his life.
For Joe Montana, the roar of the 49ers crowd still carries the same warmth it did decades ago — a reminder that once you’ve been a 49er, you always are.
Mike Vrabel Strongly Denies Falcons' Accusations of Misconduct Against Patriots
Mike Vrabel, head coach of the Tennessee Titans, has come out strongly against the Atlanta Falcons’ recent accusations
“These accusations are completely baseless,” Vrabel said in his press conference. “The Patriots have a long-standing reputation in this league, and these kinds of claims don’t hold any water. There’s no truth to what the Falcons are alleging, and I’m not going to let those accusations slide.”
The controversy erupted after the Falcons made public claims about certain actions by the Patriots during their Week 8 game. The accusations suggested unsportsmanlike conduct and questionable coaching decisions that allegedly gave the Patriots an unfair advantage. While the specifics of the claims were vague, they were met with swift backlash from the Patriots' camp, with Vrabel being one of the most vocal supporters of the team's integrity.
“These kinds of allegations are reckless and harm the spirit of the game,” Vrabel continued. “I’ve been in this league long enough to know how things work, and I can tell you without a doubt that the Patriots are a team that plays the game the right way. It’s unfortunate that these kinds of accusations are being thrown around.”
Vrabel, who has a deep connection to the Patriots organization after his time as both a player and coach, made it clear that he would not allow the Falcons’ allegations to tarnish the Patriots’ reputation.
“These kinds of attacks are damaging to the game and to the teams involved,” he said. “What we need to focus on is playing football, not creating unnecessary distractions. The Patriots have earned their place in this league through hard work and integrity.”
As the controversy continues to simmer, Vrabel’s comments reflect the broader frustration within the Patriots’ camp over what they see as an unjustified smear. Both the Patriots and Falcons are moving forward, but the damage to the relationship between the two teams may linger for some time.
“We’re focused on what’s next,” Vrabel concluded. “But don’t mistake our focus on the game for a lack of respect for how we do things. We do things the right way, and we’ll continue to do so.”
