Tarkenton, Fran (1940-…), became one of the greatest quarterbacks in National Football League (NFL) history. He was noted for his passing and his ability to scramble–that is, to avoid tacklers. Tarkenton played 18 years for the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants. When Tarkenton retired after the 1978-1979 season, he held the career records for passes completed, passes attempted, touchdowns thrown, passing yards, and yards rushing for a quarterback. All of these records have since been broken.
Francis Asbury Tarkenton was born in Richmond, Virginia on Feb. 3, 1940. He played for the University of Georgia from 1958 to 1960. Tarkenton played for the Vikings from 1961 to 1966. He was traded to the Giants in 1967 but returned to the Vikings in 1972. Tarkenton helped lead Minnesota to National Football Conference titles in the 1973, 1974, and 1976 seasons. In 1986, Tarkenton was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
