Joe Montana And Jennifer's NFL Marriage A Model: Talking Family, Fame And Giving Back
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Joe Montana and his beautiful wife, Jennifer are still beating the odds.
When this high-powered, NFL sports couple married in 1985, gas cost a dollar a gallon, shoulder pads and pleated pants were the rage, and Madonna was, well, like a Virgin. As a couple, the Montanas have survived five presidencies, 3 Popes, and some 30 Super Bowls -- in an era where almost half of all American marriages end in divorce. The statistics for celebrity marriages are even worse.
Jennifer makes no secret of her devotion to her family. She and Joe have four children – two boys, two girls – almost all of them grown, and out of college. She calls Joe her "big kid."
So what does family mean to this soon-to-be empty-nester?
"Everything, everything," says Jennifer. "It's something we've really stressed to the kids growing up."
Jennifer considers time her most valuable teacher. With each passing day, she learns the value of staying close to her loved ones and putting them before everything else.
The demands on the wife of one of America's most celebrated NFL Hall of Famers are great. Still, no matter how booked up her day may be, it's family first.
"I think it's a question of what's important,"she explains. "You make a list of things you need to do and sometimes it gets squashed... one phone call from the kids." That's is all it takes.
The Montanas know they have been fortunate. To share some of that good fortune, she and Joe founded The Four Rings Foundation to help families and children across the Bay Area. About 80% of the proceeds from the sales of Jennifer's jewelry line goes to their Foundation.
"A way to give back," says Jennifer, unconsciously touching necklace she's wearing. It's a combination of four delicate keys and crosses attached to a gold chain. That number definitely resonates with her. "A positive message of love, faith, and grace... four (Super Bowl) rings, four kids... we hope one day they will take a bigger part in it, finding more ways to give back."
The Montanas are special contributors and featured members of the KPIX 5 broadcast team, co-hosting special programs focusing on the countdown to Super Bowl 50. Jennifer is returning to the KPIX 5 family where she previously served as a correspondent for Evening Magazine. Don't miss her on Countdown To Gold on KPIX 5 at 7 p.m.
