Joe Montana’s Super Bowl prediction: He’s going to drink a lot of beer
"I’ll have a beer for every touchdown that both teams score. Well, maybe I’d better not -- it might be a lot of touchdowns scored."
Joe Montana has an affinity for both teams in Super Bowl LIV, having played 13 years for the 49ers and two for the Chiefs.
He said Friday morning on KNBR’s Murph and Mac that won’t be rooting for one team over another in next Sunday’s matchup in Miami.
“Depends on what city I’m in and what fans I’m talking to. I’m just going to try to enjoy the game,” he said when asked who he was pulling for.
“I don’t know, can’t even say, can’t even predict who’s going to win, I’m just going to sit there and enjoy it and have fun. I’ll have a beer for every touchdown that both teams score. Well, maybe I’d better not — it might be a lot of touchdowns scored.”
Montana’s right: The over/under is currently 54.5, so he may want to stick to low-alcohol beer or otherwise amend his traditional plan. When you’ve got two former teams in the game, things get complicated.
He also commiserated with current Niners quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who some have questioned as the 49ers have relied almost exclusively on the running game.
“Quarterback is like the worst because everybody’s eyes are on him. And hey, he’s doing exactly what he needs to do,” Montana said. “And at some point in time they’re going to have to lean on him like they did in the (regular season). And he’s come through in that part, so I’m not concerned about it.”
As for the other starting quarterback in the Super Bowl, reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes strikes fear into Montana’s heart. (Is that a sign he’s pulling for the Niners?)
“Here’s my scariest thought: Do you keep him in the pocket or do you try to put pressure and get him out of there?” Montana wondered. “He’s dangerous both places, so it’s kind of scary how you handle it.”
Finally, the show’s hosts asked Montana about a quarterback in a somewhat familiar situation to him: Tom Brady looking at potentially joining a new team in the 20th year of his career.
“I would tell him not to leave if at all possible, that it’s worth sticking around. It’s not an easy thing to do to make that kind of a change,” Montana said, urging Brady to stay with the Patriots if possible. “How long is he going to play, another year or two? And is it worth really packing it up? Just make those guys pay him and try to stay put.”