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The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

By Erik Lambert

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Joe Montana ( Left) and Steve Young, Quarterbacks for the San Francisco 49ers during the National Football Conference West game against the Kansas City Chiefs on 14 December 1991 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California, United States. The 49ers won the game 28 – 14. (Photo by Mike Powell/Allsport/Getty Images)
Joe Montana ( Left) and Steve Young, Quarterbacks for the San Francisco 49ers during the National Football Conference West game against the Kansas City Chiefs on 14 December 1991 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California, United States. The 49ers won the game 28 – 14. (Photo by Mike Powell/Allsport/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers:  Steve Young takes over for Joe Montana

When a man wins four Super Bowls, it seems almost impossible to think he could ever lose his job for whatever reason. Yet Bill Walsh made it clear even before Montana got those third and fourth rings that he was not going to let past accomplishment dictate present and future decisions. That was why he made the trade to acquire Steve Young from the Buccaneers in 1987.

Montana responded with the best stretch of his career, but by 1991 his body was starting to betray him. An elbow injury knocked him out for most of that season, paving the way for Young to step in as the starter. After a strong 10 starts that year, he emerged as a genuine star in 1992, winning MVP honors and taking the 49ers to the NFC championship game.

That was enough for the 49ers. Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs the next year. Young went on to a Hall of Fame career including a Super Bowl title in 1994.

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