Joe Montana’s son to the 49ers? It could yet happen.
You’ll recall that 23-year-old Nate Montana has already participated in a San Francisco 49ers local pro day.
Now, it’s been confirmed the younger Montana has been invited to a 49ers rookie minicamp as an unsigned free agent. The camp is due to take place May 10 – 12.
It’s been a good week for sons of NFL legends. Over the weekend, it was confirmed Minnesota invited Duron Carter, son of the Vikings’ all-time leading receiver Cris Carter, to a minicamp of their own.
Whether Joe Montana’s son and the 49ers have a future together is still up for debate, however.
Pundits such as NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks have cast doubt on Nate Montana’s ability to make the step up to the NFL. Speaking earlier this month to the Around The League blog, Brooks remarked:
“It’s going to be hard for him to transition to the next level. His passes don’t have zip. He has difficulty making pro throws. He’s a great kid, his measurables are fine, but in terms of playing at the next level, his performance [at the NFL Super Regional Combine] was not very good.”
NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt was a little kinder about his chances, noting that Montana’s stature – he stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 215 pounds – would boost his chances.
It’s been a long and winding road for Nate Montana so far. His college career began at Notre Dame, but also included spells at Pasadena Community College, the University of Montana, and West Virginia Wesleyan. He’s seen his share of success at college level: At the Division II school last season, Montana passed for 2,480 yards and 19 touchdowns. He topped the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in both categories.
So what do you think, readers? Joe Montana’s son to the 49ers? Will there be a time when everybody stops calling him “Joe Montana’s son”?