🏈 Who Is Fran Tarkenton?
Fran Tarkenton is one of the most famous quarterbacks in NFL history. He was born on February 3, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia. He played college football at the University of Georgia before joining the NFL in 1961.
He played for:
Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants
Tarkenton was different from other quarterbacks. He didn’t just throw the ball. He could run too. This made him a “dual-threat” QB long before that was common.
💰 Fran Tarkenton Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Fran Tarkenton’s net worth is estimated at $300 million.
His wealth did not come only from football. He earned much more after retirement.
💵 Main Income Sources:
NFL contracts and bonuses
TV and media roles
Book sales and speaking gigs
Business ventures
Consulting and software services
He invested wisely and started companies that still run today.
🏆 NFL Career Highlights and Stats
Fran Tarkenton had an 18-season career in the NFL. He played from 1961 to 1978.
He was known for extending plays and escaping defenders. He could throw deep or scramble for first downs.
📈 Career Stats:
Games Played: 246
Passing Yards: 47,003
Passing Touchdowns: 342
Rushing Yards: 3,674
Rushing Touchdowns: 32
At the time of his retirement, he held records for:
Most career passing yards
Most passing touchdowns
Most wins by a starting quarterback
🏅 Achievements:
NFL MVP (1975)
9× Pro Bowl selection
3× Super Bowl appearances
Inducted into the Hall of Fame (1986)
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, his impact on the game is lasting.
After football, Tarkenton didn’t slow down. Instead, he built a strong business empire.
🧠 Companies He Founded:
Tarkenton Financial – Retirement and insurance services
GoSmallBiz.com – Business tools and advice for entrepreneurs
Tarkenton Institute – Focuses on leadership, ethics, and business education
He used his fame to help others and grow his brand. Today, his businesses serve thousands of clients across the U.S.
📚 Books, TV, and Public Speaking
Fran has written many books. His writing is clear, motivational, and often shares lessons from football and business.
📘 Notable Titles:
What Losing Taught Me About Winning
Playing to Win
How to Motivate People
You Have What It Takes
In the 1980s, he co-hosted “That’s Incredible!”, a hit TV show. He also appeared on shows like The Tonight Show and Good Morning America.
He is still invited to speak at:
Business summits
Universities
Sports conferences
Faith-based leadership events
🏡 Personal Life and Legacy
Fran Tarkenton lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He values privacy, family, and giving back to the community.
He is known for teaching young athletes about:
Financial planning
Smart investing
Avoiding bad money habits
💬 Legacy
Tarkenton inspired future quarterbacks like Steve Young, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes. His skill, brainpower, and leadership made him a pioneer.
✅ Final Thoughts
Fran Tarkenton is more than a football hero. He is a businessman, writer, and mentor. His net worth of $300 million in 2025 shows what’s possible with hard work and wise decisions.
Tarkenton has led by example, setting records on the field and building companies off it. He has proven that athletes can be great at more than just sports.
He remains one of the most respected names in both football and business.
Adam Davis Writer
I am a dedicated sports writer bringing the vibrant world of sports to life through my articles. Hope you enjoy, feel free to leave feedback.