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It’s hard to imagine that it has been 25 years since Joe Montana last wore an NFL uniform. Recently, Montana was honored as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game in the 100-year history of the NFL.

Dec. 31 marks the 25-year anniversary of Montana’s final NFL game, which was with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1994 playoffs. Montana had led the Chiefs to playoffs in back-to-back seasons, but the 1993 season ended in disappointment in the AFC championship game against the Bills. The following season, the Chiefs had to go on the road during the wild-card round of the playoffs to face Dan Marino on his home turf.

It was a duel for the ages between the future Hall of Famers. Montana completed 26-of-37 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns. Marino completed 22-of-29 for 257 yards along with one touchdown. However, it would be a late-game interception tossed by Montana that was the difference.

Following the game, the Chiefs and Montana had a decision to make about their future. He’d only been playing for the Chiefs for two seasons and had just one year remaining on his contract. It quickly became clear that Montana was done playing and content with calling it a career after 15 seasons in the NFL.

Montana brought something special to the Chiefs, something that hadn’t been recaptured in Kansas City until the emergence of star QB Patrick Mahomes last year. As the Chiefs embark on another quest for a Super Bowl victory, it’s important to look back and recall the missed opportunities in 1993 and 1994. Kansas City has seemingly learned from its 2018 season, but will they capitalize on their latest opportunity in 2019? We’ll find out in 13 days when the Chiefs take on a yet to be determined opponent in the divisional round of the playoffs.