Monongahela will honor hometown NFL legends

For the MVI

A Sept. 13 celebration will feature a parade and the unveiling of a new marker.

Monongahela will unveil a marker Sept. 13 at Fourth and Main streets to honor NFL legends Fred Cox and Joe Montana.

“Although there are memorials to Montana nearby, there is no formal recognition of Montana or Cox in the city itself,” Mayor Greg Garry said. “With this sign, we give people one more reason to be proud of our great city and to visit Monongahela as we highlight the accomplishments of these two football standouts. We are just so proud of them and want everyone to know this is their hometown.”

Additional announcements will be forthcoming on the schedule. There will be a major parade and concessions offered by Monongahela businesses and other vendors.

The event is spearheaded by former Ringgold football coach Joe Ravasio, business owner Don DeVore, former Montana teammate Chuck Smith Jr., Montana family friend Janie Long, Montana’s cousin Patty Kozon and Garry. Others will be joining the planning team.

Cox was the Minnesota Vikings’ kicker for 14 seasons and twice led the NFL in scoring. He’s the career scoring leader for the Vikings and the inventor of the Nerf football.

Montana led Notre Dame to a national championship, won four Super Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. Ringgold’s football stadium was named after him in 2006.

Anyone interested in being a street vendor, an event sponsor or participating in the parade should call DeVore at 724-2587100 or Ravasio at 412-3021248.