1993–1994Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in April
1993. His trade, along with the free-agent signing of star Los Angeles Raiders running back
Marcus Allen to the Chiefs, generated much media attention and excitement in Kansas City.
The Chiefs mailed three jerseys to Montana. One was number 3, his number from Notre Dame. Another was number 19, which he wore in little league and also briefly in training camp of the 1979 season with San Francisco, and the third was number 16, which Hall of Fame quarterback
Len Dawson offered to let Montana wear since the organization had retired it. Montana declined Dawson's offer and wore 19 instead and signed a $10 million contract over three years.
Montana was injured for part of the 1993 season, but was still selected to his final Pro Bowl and led the Chiefs in two come-from-behind wins in the
1993 playoffs, reaching the
AFC Championship Game where Kansas City lost to the
Buffalo Bills. Including their two playoff victories that year (the Chiefs only had one prior playoff win since 1970
Super Bowl IV), the 1993 Chiefs won 13 games, tying the franchise record for wins in a season. The Chiefs have not won a playoff game since the 1993 season.
Montana returned healthy to the Chiefs in
1994, starting all but two games. His highlights included a classic duel with
John Elway (which Montana won 31-28) on Monday Night Football, and a memorable game in week 2 when Montana played against his old team, the 49ers and Steve Young. In a much-anticipated match-up, Montana and the Chiefs prevailed and defeated the 49ers 24–17. Montana led his team to
a final playoff appearance, in 1994.
