NBC made a big blunder involving NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana on Saturday during its broadcast of the Notre Dame vs. Navy game. Montana, a former Fighting Irish quarterback, was mistakenly referred to as a “five-time Super Bowl champion” on a graphic displayed while he was being interviewed.
Although Montana has won his fair share of Super Bowls while playing for the San Francisco 49ers, his actual number of victories is four. The 49ers as a franchise have won five Super Bowls. However, their victory during the 1994 season came with Steve Young at quarterback after Montana left for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993.
Montana was in attendance not only to support Notre Dame in its season opener, but also promote Guinness, which he has an endorsement deal with. NBC ran a segment prior to Montana’s interview that showed him at the Guinness brewery in Ireland.
Montana played at Notre Dame from 1975-78, including as the starter during his final two seasons. He led the Fighting Irish to a 9-3 record as a senior in 1978, including a 35-34 victory in the Cotton Bowl against Houston as he scored a touchdown as time expired.
Despite his performance in college, Montana was not highly rated heading into the NFL Draft and ended up being selected in the third round. He of course went on to prove his doubters wrong to finish his career as the 49ers’ all-time leading passer with 35,124 yards and 244 career touchdowns.
And again, to set the record straight, Montana won four — not five — Super Bowls with the 49ers in addition to seven appearances in the NFC Championship. He also won three Super Bowl MVPs.
Joe Montana praises performance of Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman
During his interview, Montana had some kind words for the first-half performance of quarterback Sam Hartman, who transferred in this offseason from Wake Forest.
“Yeah, I think in the beginning they kind of got the running game going, then all the sudden they turned him loose,” Montana told the NBC broadcast crew. “We were sitting up there going, ‘OK, at some point they’re going to let him go.’ Yeah, he’s been great so far. It’s been fun to watch.”
Hartman finished the game 19-of-23 passing for 251 yards and four touchdowns, which tied a Fighting Irish record for most TDs in a debut. He also moved up to No. 17 on the NCAA’s all-time passing yards list.
After throwing for 7,929 yards and 77 TDs the past two seasons, Hartman wasted no time picking up where he left off despite being in a new offense. Montana, like many Notre Dame fans, is excited to see just how far he can take the team this season.
“He’s got a lot of experience, thrown a lot of touchdowns,” Montana said. “I think it’s great for Notre Dame and brings something different to the table for them and gives them a little juice on the offense.”
More must-reads: