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He was in studio to talk about his recent battle with high blood pressure. He was coupled with a local cardiologist who did most of the talking. What struck me, is that Joe seemed really nervous before we went on the air. Pretty bizarre for a guy who played so well under pressure.
After the interview, I got to hang with him for a few minutes. We spoke about his family, and what it was like growing up in western PA. I told about growing up in 'Bama, and being a fan since I was eleven..and his legendary drive against the Bengals in the 1981 Super Bowl. As soon as we hit the commerical break, studio personnel hammered him with autograph requests. Though tired (It was 5:50 am), he smiled and patiently signed everything they gave him. As soon as they were done, Joe noticed the football in my hand.
"Reynolds, you want me to sign that for you?"
"No sir", I said. "But could you hold it for a second?"
He got this perplexed look on his face as I ran to the far side of the studio..some 150 feet away. Then he smiled.
"Can you throw it to me, Mr. Montana?"
Joe responded by snapping the ball to his ear(still wearing a sportcoat)and firing. That damned pass was completely UnJasonCampbell-like! It was a smokin' spiral on a ROPE! I caught it easily in the chest, but the end of the ball damn near broke my sternum.
So while everyone else got autographed balls, magazines, posters, etc., I got to catch a pass from Joe "Freakin" Montana.
Priceless.
He was really a great fellow..incredibly friendly and humble.
Still, as cool as that was, I'd rather catch a pass from Pat Sullivan.
War Eagle..
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