Montana Reportedly To Call It Quits, Really

This time, Joe is expected to go.

Joe Montana’s long-rumored retirement from football likely becomes official next week, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday. The newspaper said the quarterback’s friends and family will be in San Francisco for the announcement.

Montana, who spent two years with the Kansas City Chiefs after leading the 49ers to four Super Bowl championships, is retiring at age 38 because of aches and pains as well as the wishes of his wife, Jennifer, according to Montana’s relatives, the newspaper said.

By retiring next week, Montana would free up his $2.4 million salary for the Chiefs to use in the NFL draft April 22-23. Steve Bono would be the likely starter, with Matt Blundin his backup.

Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore said the club wasn’t aware Montana had made a decision. General manager Carl Peterson was out of town for a speaking engagement.

Montana and his agent, Tom Condon, could not be reached for comment.