Fran Tarkenton

The Scrambling Genius Who Revolutionized Quarterback Play

Few quarterbacks in NFL history changed the game like Fran Tarkenton. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, NFL MVP, and the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns when he retired, Tarkenton was more than just an elite passer—he was a revolutionary playmaker who introduced the world to mobile quarterbacks.

Long before Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or Steve Young, Tarkenton was scrambling away from defenders, extending plays, and making impossible throws on the run. His ability to turn broken plays into spectacular moments made him one of the most exciting players the NFL had ever seen, and his career longevity allowed him to rewrite the record books.

Despite playing in three Super Bowls without a championship, Tarkenton’s impact on the game is undeniable. He proved that quarterbacks didn’t have to be statues in the pocket—they could be playmakers, escape artists, and offensive catalysts.

This collection honors Fran Tarkenton, the legendary Vikings and Giants quarterback who transformed the position forever, set records that stood for decades, and proved that mobility could be just as valuable as arm strength.

Fran Tarkenton’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Tarkenton’s career statistics showcase his revolutionary impact, proving he was decades ahead of his time.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1961–1978)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1986)
NFL MVP (1975)
Nine-time Pro Bowler (1964, 1966–1970, 1974–1976)
NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1975)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
Career Passing Yards: 47,003 (Most in NFL history at retirement)
Career Passing Touchdowns: 342 (Most in NFL history at retirement)
Career Completions: 3,686
Career Rushing Yards (by a QB): 3,674
Three-time NFC Champion (1973, 1974, 1976)
Only QB in NFL history to retire as the all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and wins

At the time of his retirement, Tarkenton held nearly every major passing record, proving that his longevity, production, and efficiency were second to none.

The College Years – A Scrambling Star at Georgia

Before rewriting NFL history, Tarkenton was already making magic at the University of Georgia, where he showed glimpses of his elusive, creative playmaking style.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1940, Tarkenton grew up in Athens, Georgia, and was a multi-sport athlete known for his quickness and intelligence.
He played quarterback at the University of Georgia, leading the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship in 1959.
Even in college, he was a dual-threat quarterback, excelling both as a passer and runner.
His ability to extend plays and improvise made him one of the most unique quarterback prospects of his era.

Despite being considered undersized at 6'0" and 190 pounds, Tarkenton’s football IQ, leadership, and athleticism made him a top prospect in the 1961 NFL Draft, where the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the third round.

The Vikings Years – The Birth of the Scrambling Quarterback

Tarkenton’s NFL career began with history, as he became the first quarterback to ever start and win his debut game as a rookie.

On September 17, 1961, in his very first game, Tarkenton torched the Chicago Bears, throwing for four touchdowns and rushing for another, leading the expansion Vikings to a 37-13 upset victory.
It was immediately clear—Tarkenton was something special.
Over the next six seasons (1961-1966), Tarkenton became the face of the Vikings, but the team struggled to build a championship-caliber roster around him.
Frustrated by the lack of playoff success, the Vikings traded him to the New York Giants in 1967.

Though his first stint with Minnesota ended without a title, he had already changed the quarterback position forever.

The Giants Years – A Star in the Big Apple

In New York (1967–1971), Tarkenton continued to revolutionize the game, proving that he wasn’t just a scrambler—he was an elite passer, too.

He became the first quarterback in Giants history to pass for over 3,000 yards in a season.
He was named to four straight Pro Bowls from 1967 to 1970.
His ability to extend plays and throw accurately on the run made the Giants’ offense one of the most exciting in the league.
He threw for over 13,000 yards and 103 touchdowns in five seasons with the Giants, proving he was one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.

Despite individual success, the Giants never built a complete team around him, leading to a blockbuster trade in 1972 that sent Tarkenton back to Minnesota—this time, with a championship-caliber roster.

The Return to Minnesota – Leading the Vikings to Super Bowls

Tarkenton’s second stint with the Vikings (1972–1978) was the peak of his career, as he led Minnesota to three Super Bowl appearances and became the best quarterback in the NFL.

Super Bowl Runs (1973–1976)

1973: Led the Vikings to Super Bowl VIII, where they lost to the Miami Dolphins dynasty.
1974: Bounced back to reach Super Bowl IX, falling to Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain defense.
1976: Won his third NFC Championship, taking the Vikings to Super Bowl XI, where they lost to the Oakland Raiders.

Though he never won a Super Bowl, Tarkenton’s impact in getting the Vikings there three times in four years cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.

The 1975 MVP Season – The Best Year of His Career

At age 35, Tarkenton put together the best season of his career, winning NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.

Passing Yards: 2,994
Passing TDs: 25
Completion %: 61.7% (an elite number for the era)
Passer Rating: 91.7
Led the Vikings to a 12-2 record and the NFC’s No. 1 seed

His MVP season proved that mobile quarterbacks could dominate both as passers and playmakers, setting the standard for future dual-threat QBs.

Retirement & Hall of Fame Induction

Tarkenton retired in 1978, holding every major passing record:

Most career passing yards (47,003)
Most career passing touchdowns (342)
Most career wins by a QB (124)
Most career rushing yards by a QB (3,674)

His dual-threat ability and championship-caliber leadership made him a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and he was inducted in 1986.

Defining Moments of Tarkenton’s Career

1961 – First Rookie QB to Win His Debut: Throws four touchdowns and rushes for another, making history.
1967 – Traded to the Giants, Becomes a Superstar: Earns four Pro Bowl selections in five years.
1972 – Returns to Minnesota: Begins his run of three NFC Championships.
1975 – Wins NFL MVP: Becomes the best quarterback in the league.
1976 – Reaches Super Bowl XI: Caps his legendary career with a third Super Bowl appearance.
1978 – Retires as the NFL’s All-Time Leading Passer.
1986 – Inducted into the Hall of Fame: Recognized as one of football’s all-time greats.

A Legacy That Changed the Game Forever

Fran Tarkenton wasn’t just a great quarterback—he revolutionized the position.

He proved that mobility was a weapon, inspiring future generations of scrambling quarterbacks.
He rewrote the NFL record books, retiring as the all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and wins.
He was a pioneer for the modern quarterback, paving the way for Brett Favre, Steve Young, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes.

A Scrambling Innovator, A Record-Breaking Champion, and One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in NFL History.