Jan 22, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fans wear former quarterback Joe Montana (16, not pictured) and former wide receiver Jerry Rice (80, not pictured) masks before the 2011 NFC Championship game against the New York Giants at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
When you think of the San Francisco 49ers, three names come to mind – Bill Walsh, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. Sure, there were other legends who graced the often soggy Candlestick turf but those are the names which continually put a face to the franchise.
Unfortunately, much to the disappointment of red and gold faithful, Montana won’t be in attendance for Monday night’s regular season finale.
Barring a postseason birth which nets them a home game, Monday’s tilt against the Atlanta Falcons will be the final game played at The ‘Stick and the organization will send off their longtime home in grand fashion before moving to Levi’s Stadium in 2014.
It won’t be with Montana though as the legendary quarterback posted on Twitter that he would not be able to make it:
(1of3) It's been a long time since I played at #CandlesticPark but I will never forget it! So many great memories!!
— Joseph Montana (@JoeMontana) December 23, 2013
(2of3) I regret that I will not be at the last game on @Mondaynightfootball but I will be watching!
— Joseph Montana (@JoeMontana) December 23, 2013
(3of3) I will be with my family for the Christmas holiday and pulling for a victory!! GO NINER'S!! See you all at #LeviStadium!
— Joseph Montana (@JoeMontana) December 23, 2013
It’s not exactly shocking news considering Montana has been dropping not so subtle hints he wouldn’t be attending the game for weeks, but there was hope plans would change.
