Joe Montana at 59: ‘I can’t really run or do much’

Montana, 59, is everywhere these days be it television ads, at high-profile speaking gigs and mingling with fans at autograph signings. By all means, Joe Montana is still as smooth at 59 as he was two decades ago as Joe Cool.

But in an interview with USA Today, the former 49ers legend says his life is filled with pain from having played high-level football most of his early life.

“My hands have been, oh my gosh, in the middle of the night they hurt like crazy. “Montana also said he can’t straighten one of his knees despite six operations.

“They kept saying I’ll need a knee replacement when I can’t walk,” he said. “I can’t really run or do much with it.”

Montana retired in 1994 and has been seen recently on a number of commercials. In addition to multiple knee surgeries, USA Today reported Montana has undergone elbow surgery, multiple back surgeries and three neck fusions.

In light of recent stories linking Kenny Stabler and Earl Morrall to severe CTE, and a flood of reports that mirror Montana’s daily battle with pain. Montana said he envisioned an active lifestyle in retirement. That hasn’t been the case in recent years.

“Unfortunately most of us leave this game with things that linger,” Montana said.

“It’s one of the toughest things to do,” Montana said in a recent interview. “I always tell people that I’ve never smoked cigarettes, but I can only imagine how hard it is when someone tries to quit cold turkey. Because that’s what it’s like leaving the NFL.”

“It’s one of the biggest adrenaline rushes that you have. I’ve never been able to find anything to replace it,” he continued. “But after a while, you find your way.”

Montana has found his way, all right. Sources estimate that he commands more than $50,000 for his speaking appearances, a figure that shoots significantly higher for his gigs in advance of the game at Levi’s Stadium. The passer is also a pitchman, doing spots for AT&T, Papa John’s Pizza, Hugo Boss and other products.

“What advertisers want is that enduring appeal, and that’s Joe Montana,” said marketing expert Dom Curran, the CEO of Synergy USA. “His name is electric, and it’s still a household name. At some point, you reach the status of national treasure.”

Eventually, though, he found his comfort zone. As it turns out, the ex-quarterback is pretty good at being Joe Montana. In his speeches and in his ads he comes off as relaxed, self-effacing and understated.

“When he first left the team, I never pictured him in the public eye like this because he was a personal, intimate, quiet guy,” recalled Jerry Walker, the team’s media relations director during the glory years. “But his personality translates very well. He’s the most normal, most common superstar celebrity I’ve ever been around.

“I’ve seen this side of Joe before. I’ve seen in it team meetings. I’ve seen it at halftime. I’ve seen it postgame. I’ve seen his humor and his humility.”

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