By Darin 
Long before dual-threat quarterbacks were the norm, there was “Sir Francis.” Born on February 3, 1940, Fran Tarkenton didn’t just play the quarterback position; he reinvented it. By turning the pocket into a playground and the field into a maze, Tarkenton escaped the era’s fiercest pass rushers to set records that stood for decades. From the hedges of Georgia to the Super Bowl stage with the Vikings, discover the story of the man whose feet were as dangerous as his arm.
Football Bio
February 3, 1940 – Richmond, Virginia – Birth of Fran Tarkenton, the “Scrambler.” Tarkenton revolutionized the quarterback position with his mobility at the University of Georgia and later with the Vikings and Giants. One of his most iconic plays came against the Los Angeles Rams in 1974, where Tarkenton eluded several defenders, seemingly crisscrossing the field before completing a pass downfield—an example of his unsurpassed scrambling ability. A 9-time Pro Bowler and 1986 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, he retired with then-records in passing yards (47,003) and touchdowns (342).
Conclusion
Fran Tarkenton was a pioneer whose “scrambling” style was initially criticized but eventually became the blueprint for the mobile quarterbacks of today. His career with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants was defined by a relentless will to keep plays alive, leading to four Super Bowl appearances and a then-unprecedented statistical legacy. In 1986, the Pro Football Hall of Fame rightfully opened its doors to the man who truly made the game move.
Verified Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1986.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1987.
- NFL MVP: 1975 (Associated Press and PFWA).
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year: 1975.
- Pro Bowl Selections: 9-time selection.
- NFL Passing Records: Retired as the all-time leader in Passing Yards (47,003) and Touchdown Passes (342).
- SEC Legend: Led Georgia to a conference championship and earned All-American honors.
- Super Bowl History: Led the Minnesota Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances (IV, VIII, IX, XI).
