Teil 1 Fran Tarkenton (Quarterback, Georgia Bulldogs)
Fran Tarkenton, inducted in 1986 to professional football's Hall of Fame as one of the game's greatest quarterbacks, first became known as a standout high school and college quarterback in Athens. He led the Athens High School Trojans to a state championship in 1955 and the University of Georgia Bulldogs to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title in 1959. He went on to an eighteen-year, record-setting career with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL).
Francis Asbury Tarkenton was born on February 3, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia. He moved to Georgia with his family when he was eleven years old. In a distinguished high school career in Athens, Tarkenton earned all-state honors in football, basketball, and baseball. In 1957 he enrolled at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, and the hometown player was named an All-SEC freshman after leading that year's Georgia freshman team to an undefeated season.
Tarkenton was an All-SEC sophomore team selection in 1958 and was an integral player in the Georgia Bulldogs' SEC championship in 1959. His potent offensive unit that year drew the nicknames "Tarkenton's Raiders" and "Tarkenton's Music Makers." He led the SEC in passing completions and set a conference record for completion percentage in 1959, earning him All-SEC quarterback honors. He also led the Bulldogs to an Orange Bowl victory over Missouri on New Year's Day, 1960.
In 1960, his senior season, Tarkenton was the captain of the Georgia squad, led the conference in total offense and in passing, and was named an All-American. He was also selected as an Academic All-American, reflecting a strong performance in the classroom to match his athletic achievements.
at Georgia
NFL Career
9time Pro Bowl
6time All Pro
1975 MVP
#10 Vikings retired
at Minnesota