Wayne Fontes reveals that Hall of Fame QB Barry Sanders wanted to join him in Detroit.
Wayne Fontes reveals that Hall of Fame QB Barry Sanders wanted to join him in Detroit.
Former Detroit Lions coach Wayne Fontes revealed that legendary quarterback Joe Montana expressed a desire to play with legendary running back Barry Sanders in Detroit in 1993, which could have changed the course of NFL history. Fontes recalls how, after parting ways with the San Francisco 49ers, Montana approached him about joining the Lions in Amazon’s new documentary about Sanders.
Montana desired to collaborate with Barry Fontes was overjoyed to have two of football’s greatest players on his team. However, considering Montana was past his prime, the Lions’ general manager at the time, Chuck Schmidt, was less enthusiastic.
“He called me and said, ‘I’d love to play with you and Barry Sanders,'” Fontes explained. “I nearly jumped off my desk.”
“I went to Chuck Schmidt and told him, ‘We got a chance at Joe Montana,'” Fontes recalled. “However, Chuck Schmidt said, ‘He’s too old.'” He’s gotten over the hump. He’s finished, another year.’ ‘I’m sorry,’ I said to Joe again.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Joe Montana wanted to join the Detroit Lions to play with Barry Sanders in 1993.
- Lions’ management declined the opportunity, deeming Montana past his prime.
- Montana’s move to the Chiefs was successful, while the Lions didn’t advance past wild card rounds.
Bottom Line: An NFL Legendary What-If
Wayne Fontes’ revelation adds a tantalizing chapter to NFL lore, a ‘what-if’ scenario that fans can only fantasize about. The potential pairing of Montana and Sanders in Detroit could have had a significant impact on both players’ careers as well as the Lions’ fortunes. It emphasizes the fine line between team management decisions and their long-term impact on a team’s trajectory. While Montana had success with the Chiefs, the Lions’ inability to advance in the playoffs could have been avoided if they had a quarterback of Montana’s caliber. What could have happened?
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