Two of Joe Montana’s former teams are set to do battle in Super Bowl LIV with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers taking to the field on Sunday.
The backdrop here is New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s impending free-agent status and the possibility that he might move on from the team after nine Super Bowl appearances in two decades.
In talking about the man who has surpassed him on many all-time great quarterback lists, Montana had a bit of advice for Brady. Don’t leave the Patriots.
“Don’t — if you don’t have to. It’s a process to go through, and it takes time to get used to the team,” Montana said, via NFL Media’s Mike Silver.
Montana knows a thing or two about this. After winning four Super Bowl titles in 14 seasons with San Francisco, Montana was dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs. While he did lead Kansas City to two playoff appearances in as many seasons, the success Montana saw in San Francisco did not duplicate itself.
“It’s not easy to go to another team and get accepted, no matter how much success you’ve had and how many years you’ve played,” Montana continued. “They still want to see you come in and be the same player and be that loyal to them as you were to the other team you just left. So, it’s not easy (for) guys looking at that change, especially at the quarterback position.”
Rumors suggest that Brady could very well decide to leave the Patriots in free agency. While it might seem to be a long shot, said rumors have picked up steam since New England was ousted in the AFC Wildcard playoffs.
Maybe Brady will decide to take Montana’s advice. After all, the three-time Super Bowl MVP speaks from experience.