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“Not What I Hoped”: 49ers Legend Steve Young Reveals Reluctance to Join Franchise With Major Joe Montana Concerns

Steve Young’s move to the San Francisco 49ers in 1987 eventually led to a Hall of Fame career, but joining the franchise was not the straightforward opportunity it might have seemed. Joe Montana was already the franchise’s star quarterback, and…

By Evince Das · Essentially Sports

Published: Friday, 30 October 2026 at 10:03 PM

Key Things to Know

Steve Young revealed he was reluctant to join the 49ers in 1987 due to Joe Montana being the starter.
Bill Walsh recruited Young after Montana had back surgery, but Montana remained the primary starter for several years.
The 49ers acquired Young from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a second-round pick, a fourth-round pick, and cash.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young revealed he was reluctant to join the San Francisco 49ers in 1987 due to concerns over sitting behind star Joe Montana. Speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, Young admitted he would have made a different choice had he known Montana would keep starting. Former head coach Bill Walsh convinced him to join after Montana underwent back surgery, leading San Francisco to trade two draft picks and cash to Tampa Bay.

Young spent years waiting for consistent playing time, even asking agent Leigh Steinberg to seek a trade in 1991. However, Montana suffered an elbow injury that opened the door for Young to claim the starting role. San Francisco eventually traded Montana to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993, paving the way for Young's two MVP awards and a Super Bowl title.

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