Fran Tarkenton NFL Player – Legendary Quarterback Legacy

Fran Tarkenton is a legendary NFL player known for his exceptional skills as a quarterback. He played for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants during his 18-season career. Tarkenton’s career highlights include being named NFL Most Valuable Player in 1975, NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1975, and a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. He was also a key player in leading the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances but unfortunately did not win a title. Tarkenton’s legacy extends beyond his statistics, as he revolutionized the quarterback position with his scrambling ability and aggressive playing style.

Key Takeaways:

• Fran Tarkenton was a legendary NFL player known for his exceptional skills as a quarterback.
• He played for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants during his 18-season career.
• Tarkenton’s career highlights include being named NFL Most Valuable Player in 1975 and a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
• He revolutionized the quarterback position with his scrambling ability and aggressive playing style.
• Despite not winning a Super Bowl, Tarkenton’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is secure.

Early Life and Education

Fran Tarkenton, the legendary NFL player, was born on February 3, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia. He spent his formative years in Athens, Georgia, where he attended Athens High School. It was during his time in high school that Tarkenton’s exceptional skills as a quarterback began to shine. His talent and passion for the game propelled him to pursue his football career at the esteemed University of Georgia.

At the University of Georgia, Tarkenton’s prowess on the field continued to flourish. He led the Bulldogs to a Southeastern Conference championship in 1959, leaving an indelible mark on the university’s football program. Tarkenton’s remarkable achievements as a college quarterback earned him two first-team All-SEC selections and solidified his reputation as a rising star in the world of football.

“I owe a great deal of my success to my time at the University of Georgia. The support and guidance I received there shaped me both as a player and as a person.” – Fran Tarkenton

University of Georgia Career Highlights:

• Two-time first-team All-SEC selection
• Leader of the Bulldogs’ Southeastern Conference championship team in 1959
• Member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity

Professional Football Career

Fran Tarkenton’s professional football career spanned 18 seasons, leaving an indelible mark on the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants. He was drafted by the Vikings in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft and made an immediate impact in his first NFL game, leading the team to victory with four touchdown passes. Tarkenton’s exceptional skills as a quarterback quickly established him as a force to be reckoned with.

From 1961 to 1966, Tarkenton played for the Vikings, showcasing his versatility and playmaking abilities. He was traded to the New York Giants in 1967, where he played for five seasons before returning to the Vikings in 1972. Tarkenton remained with the Vikings until his retirement in 1978.

Throughout his career, Tarkenton set numerous records, including career passing yards and career passing touchdowns. His dynamic playing style and ability to read the field made him a formidable opponent for any defense. Tarkenton’s contributions to both the Vikings and the Giants solidified his place in football history.

Career Highlights and Awards

Fran Tarkenton’s illustrious career as an NFL quarterback is filled with countless highlights and prestigious awards. His exceptional skills and contributions to the game have earned him a well-deserved place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Let’s take a closer look at some of Tarkenton’s career highlights and the awards he received.

In 1975, Fran Tarkenton was named the NFL Most Valuable Player, recognizing his outstanding performance and leadership on the field. That same year, he was also honored as the NFL Offensive Player of the Year for his exceptional contributions to the Vikings’ offense. Tarkenton’s ability to read defenses, make accurate throws, and extend plays with his mobility made him a formidable force in the league.

Throughout his career, Tarkenton was a consistent presence in the Pro Bowl, being selected nine times to the NFL’s All-Star game. His exceptional performances on the field, both as a passer and a rusher, led him to hold various records. Tarkenton led the league in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completion percentage during different seasons, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his time.

“I always believed that success in football is not just about individual accomplishments, but also about the team’s success. The awards and accolades I received are a testament to the hard work and dedication of my teammates and coaches.” – Fran Tarkenton

Awards	Year
NFL Most Valuable Player	1975
NFL Offensive Player of the Year	1975
First-team All-Pro	1975
Second-team All-Pro	1973

Pro Bowl Selections

• 1972
• 1973
• 1974
• 1975
• 1976
• 1977
• 1978
• 1979
• 1981

Fran Tarkenton’s career highlights and awards are a testament to his exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication to the game. His legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is secure, and his impact on the sport will always be remembered.

NFL Career Statistics

Fran Tarkenton’s NFL career statistics are a testament to his exceptional skills as a quarterback. Over his 18-season career, Tarkenton completed 3,686 of 6,467 passes for an impressive total of 47,003 yards. His ability to read defenses and accurately deliver the ball allowed him to accumulate 342 passing touchdowns throughout his career.

But Tarkenton’s impact on the game extended beyond just his passing abilities. He was also a threat on the ground, rushing for a total of 3,674 yards and scoring 32 rushing touchdowns. His versatility and agility made him a dual-threat quarterback, capable of keeping defenses on their toes.

Passing Yards	Passing Touchdowns	Rushing Yards	Rushing Touchdowns
47,003	342	3,674	32

At the time of his retirement, Tarkenton held several NFL records, including the career passing yards and career passing touchdowns records. His ability to consistently perform at a high level throughout his career solidified his place among the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Life After Football

After retiring from the NFL, Fran Tarkenton embarked on a diverse and successful career in media and business. He leveraged his celebrity status and charisma to become a prominent media personality, captivating audiences both on and off the field.

Tarkenton’s foray into the media industry included being a commentator on the popular television program Monday Night Football. His insightful analysis and engaging presence made him a beloved figure among football fans across the nation. Furthermore, he co-hosted the widely acclaimed show That’s Incredible!, showcasing his versatility as a television personality.

Aside from his endeavors in the media world, Fran Tarkenton also proved himself to be an astute entrepreneur. He founded Tarkenton Software, a highly successful computer software company, which later merged with KnowledgeWare. Tarkenton’s visionary leadership and business acumen propelled the company to great heights, contributing to his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur.

Table: Fran Tarkenton’s Entrepreneurial Ventures

Venture	Description
Tarkenton Software	A successful computer software company founded by Fran Tarkenton and later merged with KnowledgeWare.
Tarkenton Financial	Providing financial services and consulting to small businesses.
Tarkenton Companies	Offering a wide range of services to support and empower small businesses.

Today, Fran Tarkenton continues to inspire as a successful entrepreneur, using his extensive experience and knowledge to help small businesses thrive. His contribution to both the media industry and the business world has solidified his legacy as more than just an NFL legend.

Fran Tarkenton’s Legacy and Impact on the Quarterback Position

Fran Tarkenton’s impact on the quarterback position cannot be overstated. His innovative style of play revolutionized the game and paved the way for future quarterbacks who incorporated mobility into their game. Tarkenton’s ability to scramble and make plays with his legs brought a new dimension to the position, challenging traditional notions of what a quarterback should be. His legacy as a trailblazer continues to influence the NFL today, where mobility and versatility are highly valued attributes for success.

Not only did Tarkenton change the way quarterbacks played the game, but he also set numerous records during his career. His exceptional skills as a passer and rusher earned him a place in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. Tarkenton’s career statistics reflect his exceptional talents, with over 47,000 career passing yards and 342 touchdowns. His impact on the game is undeniable and his name will forever be associated with greatness in the quarterback position.

“Tarkenton brought a new level of excitement to the game with his ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing. He was a true game-changer and his influence can still be seen in today’s quarterbacks.” – NFL analyst

To fully understand Tarkenton’s impact on the quarterback position, it’s important to appreciate the context in which he played. During his era, quarterbacks were primarily expected to be pocket passers and stay within the confines of the traditional passing game. Tarkenton challenged this notion by utilizing his athleticism and improvisational skills to make plays outside the pocket. His success paved the way for future quarterbacks who sought to blend the traditional passing game with the ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing.

In conclusion, Fran Tarkenton’s legacy and impact on the quarterback position cannot be understated. His innovative style of play changed the way quarterbacks approached the game and set the stage for future generations of mobile and versatile quarterbacks. Tarkenton’s exceptional skills and records solidify his place among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Fran Tarkenton’s Super Bowl Appearances

Despite his remarkable career, Fran Tarkenton was unable to win a Super Bowl. He led the Minnesota Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s but came up short each time. The Vikings lost to the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VIII, the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl IX, and the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XI. Although he was not able to secure a Super Bowl victory, Tarkenton’s contributions to the Vikings’ success and his overall impact on the game are undeniable.

Tarkenton’s Super Bowl appearances showcased his ability to lead the Vikings to the pinnacle of professional football. However, they also highlighted the challenges faced by the team in their quest for a championship. While Tarkenton’s skills as a quarterback were unquestionable, the Vikings were unable to overcome their opponents in these high-stakes games.

Despite the Super Bowl losses, Tarkenton’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history remains intact. His talent, leadership, and impact on the game will forever be remembered, regardless of the championship title that eluded him. Tarkenton’s Super Bowl appearances serve as a testament to his competitiveness, resilience, and the mark he left on the Minnesota Vikings franchise.

Super Bowl	Year	Opponent	Result
Super Bowl VIII	1974	Miami Dolphins	Lost
Super Bowl IX	1975	Pittsburgh Steelers	Lost
Super Bowl XI	1977	Oakland Raiders	Lost

Despite the disappointment of not winning a Super Bowl, Fran Tarkenton’s impact on the game and his place in football history remains secure. His Super Bowl appearances were a testament to his skill and leadership, and they helped solidify his legacy as one of the all-time great quarterbacks.

Conclusion

Fran Tarkenton’s NFL legacy as a legendary quarterback will forever be etched in the annals of football history. Despite not capturing a Super Bowl victory, Tarkenton’s exceptional skills and contributions to the game have solidified his status as a true legend of the quarterback position.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tarkenton revolutionized the game with his ability to scramble and make plays with his legs. His innovative style not only set numerous records but also paved the way for future generations of mobile quarterbacks.

From his early days at the University of Georgia to his time with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, Fran Tarkenton left an indelible mark on the NFL. His impact is still felt today, as his name remains synonymous with greatness and quarterback excellence. Without a doubt, Fran Tarkenton will always be remembered as a true quarterback legend.