Joe Montana. I couldn't tell you how many times that name has come up in countless debates with my comrades on the topic of who is the greatest quarterback ever?

If you've read my article on Elway, then you know my answer to that question. The reality is that it's probably somewhat disrespectful to so many great quarterbacks to pick just one. With that being said, the name that probably gets the most mention across America - is Joe Montana. The name still sends chills down my spine, and not in the way that some of you twisted souls might be thinking.

As a Denver Bronco fan, Joe Montana was like "The Grinch That Stole Christmas," as I have what many Bronco fans caught in the late 80's, and even early 90's, what I call "The Montana Complex." It's more serious than you think, as the effects still linger. The name Joe Montana has still caused me to twitch a time or two after all these years.

It was that fateful day on January 28,1990, when my beloved Denver Broncos would face Joe Montana and the San Franciso 49ers in Super Bowl XXIV ,that caused most of the mental scarring. Look, we had just got smoked in our previous two Super Bowl appearances by the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, so I remember thinking, this will be the one where we break through. Elway vs Montana, what could be better right?

Wrong! This nightmare started early, as Montana connected with Jerry Rice barely five minutes into the game to put them up 7-0. LIttle did we know, that was only the jab that would set up a furious combination, and finally the knockout blow. By halftime, it was 27-3, and the carnival of hell wasn't over, as Montana and the Niners would drive the stake in the hearts of Bronco fans everywhere with four more touchdowns in the second half. Final score- San Franciso-55, Denver-10. Joe Montana was almost flawless, as he threw for 297 yards, 5 touchdowns, and completed 22 of 29 passes on that "Black Sunday."

Are you kidding me? This was easily the most humiliating three hours of football I have ever watched, and probably ever will watch. I think I actually coiled up in a ball in the fetal position and sucked my thumb after this gem, as I had just been struck with "The Montana Complex." I was in need of some serious "couch time" with Dr. "Tell me about your mother." Simply brutal.

Unfortunately, Joe Montana wasn't quite finished with us Bronco fans.

Fast forward to 1994, Joe Montana and his new team - the Kansas City Chiefs, came to the Mile HIgh City for a Monday Night Matchup that turned out to be an all time classic. This was most definitely a back and forth affair between Elway and Montana, as the game was tied after three quarters, 21-21.

Kansas City's Lin Elliott kicked a field goal with 4:08 left in the game to give the Chiefs the lead at 24-21. This seemed to set the stage for another vintage John Elway comeback, and he would do just that, as he led the Broncos down the field, capping it off with a 4 yard touchdown run, taking the lead at 28-24, with only 1:29 left in the game, and sending Mile High Stadium into a frenzy. That frenzy wouldn't last long.

Joe Montana, always cool under pressure, displayed some more of his "Montana Magic," and in dramatic fashion, led the Chiefs down the field on a simply masterful drive, hitting Willie Davis for a 5 yard touchdown pass with only eight seconds left on the clock, as Kansas City beat Denver, 31-28.

I confess, I still have visions of Joe Montana's aerial displays in both those games I mentioned, every single time I hear his name. "The Montana Complex" only comes from a place of ultimate respect for arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play.

Just don't ask me, because you know my answer, but it's a good argument.

Thanks for the nightmares Joe.

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