Fran Tarkenton, American football player and sportscaster
The Illustrious Career of Fran Tarkenton: A Pioneer Quarterback and Entrepreneur
Francis Asbury "Fran" Tarkenton, born on February 3, 1940, stands as an iconic figure in American football history. Renowned for his distinctive and innovative playing style, he spent an extraordinary eighteen seasons as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Minnesota Vikings. His career transcended the traditional role of a pocket passer, making him one of the most dynamic and influential players of his era.
Early Life and Collegiate Excellence
Tarkenton's journey to professional football began at the University of Georgia, where he quickly distinguished himself on the gridiron for the Bulldogs. His exceptional talent was recognized nationally, earning him two first-team All-SEC (Southeastern Conference) selections. This prestigious collegiate honor highlighted his prowess as a top-tier quarterback in one of college football's most competitive conferences. His impressive performance at Georgia paved the way for his entry into the NFL, as he was notably selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft. This pick proved to be a pivotal moment for the expansion Vikings, who were then in their inaugural season.
A Groundbreaking NFL Career: "Fran the Scrambler"
Fran Tarkenton's NFL tenure was marked by its remarkable longevity and his groundbreaking approach to the quarterback position. His signature "scrambling" style, characterized by his ability to extend plays by evading pass rushers and running outside the pocket, revolutionized how the quarterback position was perceived and played. This innovative mobility earned him the nickname "Fran the Scrambler" and often bewildered opposing defenses, allowing him to throw on the run or pick up crucial first downs with his legs.
- Minnesota Vikings (1961-1966, 1972-1978): Tarkenton's impact on the Minnesota Vikings was profound and enduring. His initial six seasons with the team established him as a star, before he was traded. He returned for a second, highly successful stint from 1972 to 1978, leading the "Purple People Eaters" Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances (Super Bowl VIII, IX, XI). Although the Vikings did not secure a Super Bowl victory during his time, Tarkenton's leadership and elusive play were central to their consistent success, establishing the franchise as a dominant force in the NFC.
- New York Giants (1967-1971): Between his two stints in Minnesota, Tarkenton spent five seasons with the New York Giants. During this period, he continued to showcase his exceptional talent, consistently performing at a high level despite the team's overall struggles. His time in New York further cemented his reputation as one of the league's most durable and versatile quarterbacks.
Upon his retirement, Tarkenton held an impressive array of significant NFL passing records, a testament to his longevity and prolific performance. At the time, he was the NFL's all-time leader in categories such as career passing yards (47,003), career completions (3,686), and career touchdown passes (342). These statistics underscored his unprecedented impact on the league's offensive landscape.
His exceptional contributions to the sport were recognized through his induction into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987, solidifying his legacy as one of football's true legends.
Post-Football Ventures: Media and Tech Entrepreneurship
Beyond his illustrious playing career, Fran Tarkenton seamlessly transitioned into successful careers in both media and technology, showcasing his diverse talents and sharp business acumen.
- Media Personality: He became a familiar face and voice on television, serving as a respected commentator for the iconic Monday Night Football, one of the most-watched and influential sports broadcasts in American television history. Tarkenton also co-hosted That's Incredible!, a popular prime-time variety show that captivated audiences with its unique stories and demonstrations, further expanding his reach beyond the sports world.
- Computer Software Executive: Demonstrating a keen foresight into the burgeoning tech industry, Tarkenton founded Tarkenton Software, a pioneering company focused on developing computer-program generators. These innovative tools were designed to simplify and automate the process of software development, a significant leap forward in enterprise computing. He actively promoted Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) methodologies across the U.S., collaborating with industry leaders like Albert F. Case Jr. of Nastec Corporation. Tarkenton Software later merged with KnowledgeWare, a prominent software development firm where Tarkenton served as president, before the combined entity was successfully sold to Sterling Software in 1994. This venture highlighted his significant impact not only on the football field but also in the rapidly evolving world of information technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fran Tarkenton
- What was Fran Tarkenton's primary playing style as a quarterback?
- Fran Tarkenton was famously known as "Fran the Scrambler" due to his highly mobile and elusive playing style. He excelled at extending plays by running out of the pocket and throwing on the run, a revolutionary approach for quarterbacks of his era.
- Which NFL teams did Fran Tarkenton play for during his career?
- Fran Tarkenton played the majority of his eighteen-season NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings (1961-1966 and 1972-1978). In between his Vikings tenures, he spent five seasons playing for the New York Giants (1967-1971).
- What significant records did Fran Tarkenton hold upon his retirement?
- At the time of his retirement in 1978, Fran Tarkenton was the NFL's all-time leader in several key passing categories, including career passing yards (47,003), career completions (3,686), and career touchdown passes (342). While some of these records have since been surpassed, they underscored his unparalleled productivity and longevity.
- When was Fran Tarkenton inducted into the Hall of Fame?
- Fran Tarkenton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987, receiving recognition for his exceptional careers at both levels of football.
- What notable ventures did Fran Tarkenton pursue after his football career?
- After retiring from football, Fran Tarkenton successfully transitioned into media, serving as a commentator for Monday Night Football and co-hosting That's Incredible! He also became a prominent computer software executive, founding Tarkenton Software and later becoming president of KnowledgeWare, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit in the tech industry.