Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
Drafted in the third round (29th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1961 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia, Tarkenton also drew interest from the AFL’s Boston Patriots but signed with Minnesota, quickly becoming a dynamic starter in the expansion team’s inaugural season.
Over his first stint with the Vikings from 1961-1966, he showcased mobility and passing prowess, but clashed with coach Norm Van Brocklin, leading to a 1967 trade to the New York Giants.
With the Giants through 1971, Tarkenton earned five Pro Bowl nods and led the league in completions and yards in 1969. Traded back to Minnesota in 1972, he elevated the team to three Super Bowl appearances (VIII, IX, XI), though all ended in losses. His peak came in 1975, earning [NFL MVP](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-nfl-mvp-award.htm) and Offensive Player of the Year honors with a 12-2 record, 2,994 yards and 25 touchdowns.
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Tarkenton was a nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro and set records for career starts by a quarterback (246) upon retirement.
Tarkenton’s standout attributes were his elusiveness, quick release, and football IQ, allowing him to extend plays under pressure.
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His playing style revolutionized the quarterback position as “the Scrambler”—a dual-threat pioneer who improvised with scrambling runs and off-platform throws, blending pocket passing with mobility long before it became common.
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Criticized for never winning a Super Bowl and occasional interceptions from risky plays, Tarkenton’s innovation nonetheless influenced mobile QBs like Randall Cunningham.