Fran Tarkenton, legendary NFL Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, is born in Richmond
On this February day in 1940, Francis Asbury Tarkenton was born in Richmond, VA. His father, Dallas Tarkenton, was a Methodist Minister. He met his wife Frances, a native of Virginia, while in college in South Carolina. After they married and started a family, the Tarkenton's moved and eventually settled in the Athens, Georgia area. Young Fran's time in Richmond was limited, but his journey did at least start there.
Young Fran went on to become a star athlete while attending high school in Athens. He carried his skills to the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs football team to many victories, including the South Eastern Conference title in 1959. He also studied business administration while at the University, which would help him immensely after his National Football League (NFL) career ended.
After his successful career at Georgia, Fran was selected in the third round of the 1961 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Fran would go on to have an 18 year career in the NFL, setting records at the time in passing attempts (6,467), completions (3,686) and passing yards (47,003). After spending five years with the Vikings, he was traded to the Giants in 1967 and spent four seasons there, helping that team meet with success. In 1972 he was traded back to Minnesota, where he would finish his career. During the 1970s, Tarkenton, known as "Frantic Fran" for his amazing scrambling ability, would lead the Vikings to three Super Bowls, losing all of them. In 1974 it was to the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VIII. In 1975, the Vikings lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl IX. After missing a year, Tarkenton and his teamates would get blown out by the Oakland Raiders during the 1977 Super Bowl XI. This would be his last shot at a Super Bowl victory. In 1978 Tarkenton would retire, ending a great career that only lacked a championship ring.
Fran Tarkenton has enjoyed a very successful business career after his playing days were over. He also spent several years as a commentator for Monday Night Football. In recognition of Tarkenton's great career, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
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