After all, when you're arguably the NFL's greatest QB and an Irish legend to boot, it figures you're probably fairly knowledgeable about the game. Is there any doubt that Montana has forgotten more football than most of us will ever know?

So when the former 49er great recently appeared on ESPN's the Dan Patrick radio show, I was all ears. I was keenly interested to listen to what Joe had to offer and take in the Montana musings.

Because Montana periodically appears on Patrick's show, the two have developed a perceptible rapport and comfort level with one another. Their discussions come across as very natural and genuine as if they might be talking on the phone or at the office.

When listening to a Montana-Patrick conversation, two things become apparent. To begin with, Joe is quite capable of insightful observations. Montana can point out nuances of the game that very few even notice, let alone articulate.

Secondly, and this might come as a surprise to those unaware of his true personality, Montana has a winning and deft sense of humor. The guy loves to laugh and isn't the least bit shy about making himself the brunt of a good joke or two.

Because Montana was somewhat uncomfortable and a bit ill at ease during his one-year fling as a NBC studio analyst, the perception grew that Joe was kind of stiff as a personality. That if he were an ice cream, he'd have vanilla written all over him. No rainbow sherbet for Joe.

Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Ask those who played with and know him intimately and to a man, they'll reveal that Montana can be quite the prankster. He was a jokester in shoulder pads. A QB with some memorably funny quips and a passel full of one-liners.

In a staged or antiseptic setting, Montana's true persona doesn't always surface i.e. his stint at NBC. If Montana doesn't feel comfortable in a given situation, you won't get the full force of his wit and insight.

But place him in a relaxed atmosphere where things aren't contrived such as the type that exists between himself and Patrick and it's a totally different ballgame. In that scenario, Montana finds a rhythm and flow much like he did when he effortlessly orchestrated the San Francisco offense.

Most of Patrick's and Montana's dialogue focused on his alma mater and it's shaky and disappointing effort against USC.

Because Montana was on the ND sideline, he personally witnessed the beating up close and personal. He saw the unraveling of the Irish first-hand. Obviously, Montana has spent more pleasurable evenings.

Joe was quick to comment at how surprised he was that the Domers allowed the SC receivers, including the likes of ND killer Dwayne Jarrett, free releases off the line of scrimmage the entire game.

As Montana noted, even mediocre receivers become much more effective if they're not checked at the point of attack.. By incorporating such a passive strategy, Montana knew the Irish were playing with fire. And sure enough, ND got burned right in front of their one-time great. 

What mystified Montana was that once playing off Troy's wideouts proved ineffectual, he couldn't quite fathom why the Irish coaches didn't change things up and try a different tact. It puzzled him that they seemed content to stay with an obviously losing hand

In light of what transpired, Irish fans everywhere wish Montana would have strolled over to Charlie Weis and politely suggested that the coach get more aggressive and incorporate the bump and run.

Better yet, maybe Joe could have just taken over the defensive coordinator's duties. He certainly couldn't have done any worse and besides, who knows more about how to stop an offense than Montana.

Eventually, Patrick turned their talk to the subject of Brady Quinn. What did Montana think of the record-breaking QB and his pro potential?

Revealingly, Montana's response was far from pat and indicated that he believed Quinn is still very much a work in progress.

While noting Brady's enviable size, arm and toughness and saluting his accomplishments over the last couple of seasons, the two-time NFL MVP nonetheless felt that number 10 showed some chinks versus the Trojans.

Montana conveyed that Quinn's touch could use some polishing. To Montana's discerning eye, a few too many of Quinn's tosses didn't lead the receiver properly or weren't stuck in the numbers when necessary. In other words, Quinn's accuracy and more specifically, his feel was somewhat lacking.

Like a virtuoso watching a protégé, Montana can clearly see Quinn's vast potential but the master nonetheless can point out areas where upgrades are needed.

It's hard to imagine Montana's observations not somehow finding their way back to Quinn. If Brady is the bright and sharp young man he's reputed to be, he'll take Montana's counsel to heart and be the better for it.

As to the state of the Irish under the sometimes pugnacious Weis, Montana likes the direction the program is headed. As Joe correctly notes, ND is now adept at besting the teams they're expected to beat, something that neither Bob Davie or Ty Willingham ever really got a handle on.

But taking residence in the upper echelon of college football and becoming an elite team is still clearly down road. Montana readily observed that the athletic gap between the Irish and SC was undeniable and that a few more standout recruiting classes will be required to close the differential.

Nonetheless, Montana feels that the industrious Weis is up to the daunting task of returning ND to its' previous prominence. It may take some time but you get the distinct impression from Montana that he's convinced the Irish will eventually get there. And that in the not-all-too-distant future, a whole new generation of ND players will experience the thrill of capturing a national championship much like Joe did in the memorable year of 1977-8.

Because we hear from him all too infrequently since his retirement from the NFL, it's always a treat to catch up with Montana. Not only is he a remarkable resource when it comes to football knowledge but he also serves as a living reminder of Irish glories of the past.