Legendary NFL Quarterback in Attendance for Ohio State-Notre Dame

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jan 20, 2025 7:09 PM ET

On the biggest stage in college football, the stars came out on Monday night for the highly anticipated showdown between the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with the national championship on the line to cap off the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

Both the Buckeyes and the Fighting Irish are two of the most storied programs in the history of the sport, and one key figure who played a vital role in Notre Dame's historical success was seen on the sideline prior to kickoff.

That figure just so happened to be four-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play.

Montana was seen posing with famous rapper and recording artist Travis Scott before the game.

"Joe and Cactus Jack." Notre Dame posted.

Joe and Cactus Jack ☘️#GoIrish | #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/DqXiVkQbvj
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 20, 2025

Montana was at Notre Dame from 1974 to 1978 before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round with the 82nd overall pick in the 1979 NFL draft.

During his time with the Fighting Irish, he led them to two Cotton Bowl victories and a national championship in 1977. Widely regarded as one of the best to ever come through the program, Montana’s legacy remains a key part of Notre Dame’s storied history.

Now, with quarterback Riley Leonard leading the way this season, the Fighting Irish will look to capture another national title on Monday night with Montana in attendance—a victory that would mark their first since 1988, when the iconic Lou Holtz was the head coach.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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