TARKENTON, FRAN

born Feb. 3, 1940, Richmond, Va., U.S. byname of Francis Asbury Tarkenton American professional football quarterback (196178) who set National Football League (NFL) career records for most passes completed (3,686), most yards gained passing (47,003), and most touchdown passes (342). His records stood until 1995, when they were surpassed by Dan Marino. Tarkenton began playing boys-club football at the age of 10 in Washington, D.C. At Athens (Ga.) High School he was all-state in his senior year; and, at the University of Georgia (Athens; 195861), he became an All-American quarterback, leading his team to victory with two touchdown passes in the 1960 Orange Bowl. Tarkenton began his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1961 and became starting quarterback in his rookie year. He was traded to the New York Giants in 1967, who traded him back to the Vikings in 1972. In addition to his passing, Tarkenton was a gifted scrambler with a knack for turning a broken play into a big gain. He led the Vikings to the Super Bowl in the 1973, 1974, and 1976 seasons, but the team was defeated each time. By the time he retired in 1978, he had led the league in passing (197576, 1978) and had attempted more passes (6,467) than any other quarterback. After he retired, he became a television football commentator and business consultant. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.