Fran Tarkenton: Career Overview, Records & NFL Legacy

Fran Tarkenton, quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants from 1961 to 1978, helped redefine NFL quarterback play through mobility, improvisation, and consistent production. A three-time Super Bowl starter for Minnesota, he retired as the league’s all-time leader in passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns, setting numerous Vikings franchise records in the process. His career marks a turning point in NFL history, bridging classic offensive systems and the rise of a more dynamic, modern style of quarterbacking.

Of all the participants in Minnesota Vikings quarterback history Fran Tarkenton will forever be remembered. Trakenton entered the National Football League in 1961 as a third-round pick out of the University of Georgia and over the course of 18 seasons, played for the Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966, 1972–1978) and the New York Giants (1967–1971), becoming one of the most productive quarterbacks of his era.

Tarkenton made an immediate impact in his professional debut on September 17, 1961, coming off the bench to throw four touchdown passes in the Vikings’ first game as an expansion franchise — a 37-13 upset of the Chicago Bears. His early success quickly made him the centerpiece of Minnesota’s offense, and as his career developed, he became known as one of the NFL’s premier scrambling quarterbacks, routinely eluding pressure and turning broken plays into highlight-reel improvisation.

After six seasons in Minnesota, Tarkenton was traded to the New York in 1967, where he spent five tough years directing the Giants offense to 33 wins before returning to the Vikings in 1972. Teaming up with the likes of running back Chuck Foreman and receiver John Gilliam, his second tenure in Minnesota produced Super Bowl appearances in Super Bowls VIII, IX and XI under head coach Bud Grant.

At the time of his retirement in 1978, Tarkenton held the NFL’s all-time career records for pass attempts (6,467), completions (3,686), passing yards (47,003) and touchdown passes (342). He also contributed 3,674 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns. Known for his uncommon level of mobility for quarterbacks of his era. His playing style of extending plays with movement inside and outside the pocket — influenced the future evolution of the position.

Tarkenton earned league MVP honors in 1975, appeared in five Pro Bowls, and was selected All-NFL four times. In Minnesota, he remains among the most significant figures in franchise history, with several major team passing records still bearing his name. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and added to the Vikings Ring of Honor on September 9, 1998.

Image Gallery of Fran Tarkenton, Quarterback, 1961-1978

As an expansion team in 1961 the Minnesota Vikings took Georgia quarterback Fran Tarkenton in the 3rd round of the college draft that year. Started 10 games and throwing an impressive 18 touchdowns while rushing for 5 more.

Fran Tarkenton is about to have an encounter of the Fred Dryer kind.

From Sports magazine printed during the 1966 off-season. The Vikings up-coming schedule shown as Packers Ray Nitschke and Willie Wood can't stop Bill Brown from scoring. Fran Tarkenton signals the touchdown.

Fran "The Scrambler" Tarkenton does his thing against the Green Bay Packers leading them on a merry chase.

Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton finds himself in a bit of a situation under the heavy rush of Steeler lineman "Mean" Joe Greene. From 1972

Giant Fran Tarkenton turns to hand off to Cardinal MacArthur Lane in the 1971 NFL Pro Bowl. Based on their play from the 1970 season, it was Tarkenton's 6th Pro Bowl (4th as a Giant) and Lane's sole Pro Bowl selection of his career after leading the league with 11 rushing touchdowns.

Fran Tarkenton has has to really reach to get the ball to running back Chuck Foreman here. In 1973 The Vikings was ranked #7 in Total Offense with 4231 yards gained. Foreman had a 4.4 YPA with 801 yards rushing and Tarkenton passed for 2113.

Fran Tarkenton spent 5 seasons in New York passing for 13,905 yards and 103 touchdowns. Here he turns to hand off to running back Tucker Frederickson.

The first Giant running back to rush for over 1,000 yards - Ron Johnson of Michigan reached it in 1970 when he wracked up 1027 yards after being traded from the Cleveland Browns.

Fran Tarkenton on the loose against Tony McGee and the Bears in the mid-1970s. Tarkenton left the NFL in 1978 as the top passer in league history. The other Viking here is veteran lineman Milt Sunde who played 11 seasons in Minnesota.

Francis Asbury Tarkenton - entered the NFL as a 3rd round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings - the NFL's latest expansion team in 1961, and retired in 1978 as the league's All Time Leading Passer in Passing Yards, Touchdowns and Completions.

Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton gets the pass away in time as wildman Tim Rossovich closes in.

Fran Tarkenton launches a pass while rolling out against the Houston Oilers in 1974. Tarkenton threw 3 touchdowns in a 51-10 blowout of Houston. #65 coming in from his left is Oilers Hall of Famer Elvin Bethea.

Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton is put to flight by the Denver Broncos defense with Lyle Alzado in front.

Viking quarterback Fran Tarkenton tries to escape the grasp of (we think) Packer rookie Lionel Aldridge sometime around 1963.

Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton fires off the pass while under pressure from Cowboys Jethro Pugh (#75) & Willie Townes (#71).

Fran Tarkenton (#10) takes to flight in the 1963 season open against the 49ers. Tarkenton completed 20 of 29 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 win. Viking #53 in the background is Hall of Fame center Mick Tinglehoff.

Tommy Mason - Minnesota's first player to earn All Pro Honors - carries into the brunt of the Chicago Bears defense in 1963. Other players here are rookie Ray Poage (#86), Fran Tarkenton (#10) in the background, center Mick Tinglehoff (#53) and Bear cornerback Bennie McRae (#26).

Fran Tarkenton signal "Touchdown" as Vikings running back Dave Osborn goes up and over the Rams defense in the fourth quarter of the 1974 NFC Title game. Taking a 14-3 lead Minnesota held on to win and advance to play the Steelers in Super Bowl IX.

Fran Tarkenton in action against the Pack in 1973. Lineman #67 is offensive lineman Grady Alderman who played 15 years in Minnesota.

Viking-Browns, we think from around 1965 - Cleveland Pro Bowler Bill Glass makes haste to reach Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton before he can get rid of the ball.

In 1976 the Minnesota Vikings beat the LA Rams to take the NFC Title to go to their 4th Super Bowl. Here Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton gets set to handoff as Rams Hall of Fame defensive tackle looms large in the background.

From 1961 - Vikings vs Packers. Rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton scrambles away and eludes Packers linebacker Dan Currie. Tarkenton brought the quarterback position to a new level with his scrambling abilities. In 4 of his first 6 years in the league he had the most yards lost in sacks.

Rookie QB Fran Tarkenton and head coach Norm Van Brocklin celebrate with the rest of the Vikings team in the locker room following Minnesota's 1961 inaugural game and 37-13 upset of the Chicago Bears. Tarkenton passed for 4 touchdowns and rushed for another.

Cardinals-Giants 1970 - Under pressure from the Cardinals Chuck Walker, Giants QB Fran Tarkenton gets a pass off in the direction of Runningback Joe Morrison (#40).

Shown here during the early end of his 18-year career after he was a 3rd-round draft pick out of Georgia of the expansion team Minnesota Vikings. He would leave the NFL in 1978 as the league's leading All-Time passer in almost every category.

Vikings Hall of Famers Mick Tinglehoff and Fran Tarkenton. Shown here in 1975.

Fran Tarkenton as a New York Giant gets behind runningback Junior Coffey in this late 1960s photo.

Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton gets the pass off while under the rush of Packers great Henry Jordan

Putting the pressure on Fran Tarkenton

Vikings - Packers in 1963, Packers up 30-28. Herb Adderley (#26) blocked a crucial 4th quarter Viking field goal attempt that was returned for an 80-yard touchdown to nail down a 37-28 Packer win. Minnesota kicker Fred Cox is #14 and the holder, #10 is Fran Tarkenton.

A scrambling Fran Tarkenton (#10) is eyed by Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti (#85) as Mike Kolen (#57) moves is in as well.

18-year veteran quarterback. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986. As a rookie in 1961 he came off the bench and passed for 4 touchdowns to lead Minnesota past the Chicago Bears in the Vikings very first NFL game. Still holds the teams All-Time Quarterback wins with 91 as well as the most 100+ Passer Rating Games in a Career with 40. 1st-Team All-Pro in 1975 as well as the NFL MVP that year. 4 Pro Bowls as a Viking and 3 Super Bowl appearances. 1964 Pro Bowl MVP.

In 1986 was the first Viking to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retired in 1978 holding the NFL career records for passing yards (47,003), completions (3,686) and touchdown passes (342). Led Minnesota to 6 NFC Central titles, 4 NFC Championship Games and 3 Super Bowls.

In 1967 was traded to the New York Giants for 2-1st round picks and 2-2nd round picks. A pro Bowler 4 of his 5 seasons there the Giants just couldn't win enough games to get into the playoffs. His career records as a Giant : 69 starts - 33 wins, 13,905 yards, 1898 attempts & 1051 completions - a 55.4% completed - 103 TDs and 72 interceptions. He was traded back to the Vikings in 1972.

Already well know for his scrambling talents he continued to elude defenders even while he was a New York Giant. In his 5 seasons there he ran for 1126 yards, 10 touchdowns and managed a 5.3 YPC average.

The Steel Curtain Descends. Super Bowl IX was without a doubt, one of his less-distinguishing games. Against the dominating Steelers defense he threw 3 interceptions and finished with a woeful 14.1 QB rating. The Vikings offense didn't score a touchdown. Pictured above, Steelers All-Pro LC Greenwood applies pressure while another All-Pro, #59 linebacker Jack Ham covers up veteran runner Dave Osborn (#41).

Well known for his scrambling - as of 2019 is still the Vikings #12 All-Time Leading Rusher with 2548 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. Had a 52-yard TD run against the Rams in 1961.

Vikings Runningback Dave Osborn (#41) gets out in front of Quarterback Fran Tarkenton to pass block.

Fran Tarkenton Football Trading Cards

After 5 seasons with the Giants he returned to the Vikings in 1972. His first year back was a decent one. A 56.9% completion percentage, 2651 yards and 18 touchdown passes.

The 1975 NFL MVP, here he is on his 1975 Topps Card - his 15th season in the NFL. Also named Offensive Player of the year he had the league's most passing attempts (425), most completions (273) & most touchdown passes (25).

His Topps card from 1978 - his 18th and final year in the NFL. Retired as Pro Football's All-Time Passer with 3686 completions, 47,003 yards and 342 touchdown passes.

Fran Tarkenton All Time Career Statistics

Regular Season Passing Career Totals
Year	Age	Team	#	Games	QB Rec	Att	Comp	Comp%	Yards	Y/A	Long	TD	Int	Rate	Sacked
1961	21	MIN	10	14	2-8-0	280	157	56.1	1997	7.1	71	18	17	74.7	42
1962	22	MIN	10	14	2-11-1	329	163	49.5	2595	7.9	89♦	22	25	66.9	45♦
1963	23	MIN	10	14	4-8-1	297	170	57.2	2311	7.8	67	15	15	78.0	42
1964*	24	MIN	10	14	8-5-1	306	171	55.9	2506	8.2	64	22	11	91.8	46
1965*	25	MIN	10	14	7-7-0	329	171	52.0	2609	7.9	72	19	11	83.8	28
1966	26	MIN	10	14	4-7-1	358	192	53.6	2561	7.2	68	17	16	73.8	37
1967*	27	NYG	10	14	7-7-0	377	204	54.1	3088	8.2	70	29	19	85.9	29
1968*	28	NYG	10	14	7-7-0	337	182	54.0	2555	7.6	84	21	12	84.6	27
1969*	29	NYG	10	14	6-8-0	409	220	53.8	2918	7.1	65	23	8	87.2	36
1970*	30	NYG	10	14	9-5-0	389	219	56.3	2777	7.1	59	19	12	82.2	36
1971	31	NYG	10	13	4-9-0	386	226	58.5	2567	6.7	81	11	21	65.4	27
1972	32	MIN	10	14	7-7-0	378	215	56.9	2651	7.0	76	18	13	80.2	26
1973	33	MIN	10	14	12-2-0	274	169	61.7	2113	7.7	54	15	7	93.2	31
1974*	34	MIN	10	13	9-4-0	351	199	56.7	2598	7.4	80	17	12	82.1	17
1975*+	35	MIN	10	14	12-2-0	425♦	273♦	64.2	2994	7.0	46	25♦	13	91.8	27
1976*	36	MIN	10	13	10-2-1	412	255♦	61.9	2961	7.2	56	17	8	89.3	25
1977	37	MIN	10	9	6-3-0	258	155	60.1♦	1734	6.7	59	9	14	69.2	22
1978	38	MIN	10	16	8-7-1	572♦	345♦	60.3	3468♦	6.1	58	25	32♦♥	68.9	27
13 seasons Vikings				177♥	91-73-6	4569♥	2635♥	57.7	33098♥	7.2	89	239♥	194♥	80.1	175
5 seasons Giants				69	33-36-0	1898	1051	55.4	13905	7.3	84	103	72	81.0	99
18-Year NFL Career				246	124-109-6	6467	3686	57.0	47003	7.3	89	342	266	80.4	274

Post Season Career Passing Totals
Year	Age	Team	Games	QB Rec	Att	Comp	Comp%	Yards	Long	Y/A	TD	Int	Rate	Sacked
1973	33	MIN	3	2-1	77	44	57.1	537	54	7.0	3	3	75.5	7
1974*	34	MIN	3	2-1	69	34	49.3	394	38	5.7	3	6	45.2	3
1975*+	35	MIN	1	0-1	26	12	46.2	135	40	5.2	0	1	46.2	4
1976*	36	MIN	3	2-1	83	41	49.4	518	57	6.2	4	5	60.2	5

1978	38	MIN	1	0-1	37	18	48.6	219	31	5.9	1	2	53.8	1
Post Season Totals			11	6-5	292♥	149♥	51.0	1803♥	57	6.2	11♥	17♥	58.6	20