Fran Tarkenton

Date of Birth: February 3, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: *Alive*

Biography

Francis Asbury Tarkenton, known as Fran Tarkenton, is a retired American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Born on February 3, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia, Tarkenton is best known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants. He is celebrated for his scrambling ability and innovative playing style, which revolutionized the quarterback position. Tarkenton played college football at the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship in 1959. He was drafted in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, a team he would eventually lead to three Super Bowl appearances (VIII, IX, and XI). Though the Vikings did not win a Super Bowl during his tenure, Tarkenton’s performance earned him numerous accolades, including nine Pro Bowl selections and an NFL MVP award in 1975. After retiring from professional football in 1978, Tarkenton embarked on a successful business career. He founded several companies, wrote books on business and personal development, and became a popular television personality, notably co-hosting the program “That’s Incredible!”

5 Interesting Facts about Fran Tarkenton

1. Fran Tarkenton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

2. He held the NFL career records for passing yards (47,003), touchdowns (342), and completions (3,686) at the time of his retirement.

3. Tarkenton is also an accomplished author, having written several books, including “Every Day is Game Day” and “What Losing Taught Me About Winning.”

4. He was a co-host of the TV show “That’s Incredible!” from 1980 to 1984, which showcased unusual and amazing feats.

5. Fran Tarkenton was instrumental in founding Tarkenton Companies, a collection of small business consulting firms.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Fran Tarkenton

1. “The pro athlete is a sad tale to me. They suffer so many injuries, and for a lot of them, it’s a downward spiral.”

2. “The quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard.”

3. “Winning is what happens when commitment, desire, talent, preparation, hard work, and leadership all come together.”

4. “There’s a way to do it better—find it.”

5. “Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you’re not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were.”