Current Age and Personal Background
Fran Tarkenton was born on February 3, 1940, which makes him currently 85 years old. He is a former NFL quarterback, businessman, and author, widely recognized for his long career with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants. His age places him among the longest-living elite quarterbacks in professional football history, and his public profile remains tied to his on-field records and post-career investments. More details on his career timeline are available through the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Tarkenton's early life in Richmond, Virginia, and his college career at the University of Georgia shaped his path into professional sports. He was drafted in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft and quickly became known for his arm strength and mobility. His transition from athlete to entrepreneur began during his playing years, laying the groundwork for his later business success. You can review his career timeline and draft details on the official NFL website.
NFL Career and Key Statistics
Tarkenton played 18 NFL seasons from 1961 to 1978, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants. He retired as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards and completions, records that stood for years before being surpassed by later generations of quarterbacks. His career totals include over 3,600 completions and more than 47,000 passing yards, placing him among the most prolific passers of his era. His Hall of Fame profile provides a summary of his career milestones and statistics.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and led the league in touchdown passes in multiple seasons. His longevity and consistency made him a central figure in the NFL during the 1960s and 1970s. After retiring, he leveraged his sports fame into a successful business career, particularly in technology and consulting. A detailed breakdown of his career stats and achievements can be found on the official Pro Football Hall of Fame site.
Business Ventures and Net Worth
After football, Tarkenton founded Tarkenton Software, a company that provided business software and consulting services. He later merged his firm with KnowledgeWare, which he also founded, creating a prominent player in the enterprise software market. The company focused on database management and helped businesses automate key processes during the early personal computing era. Information about his business ventures and software legacy is available through the Forbes profile.
His net worth has been estimated in the tens of millions, derived from his NFL earnings, software businesses, and real estate investments. He also became a well-known motivational speaker and author, adding to his income streams after retirement. His post-career financial activities reflect a deliberate shift from sports to technology and entrepreneurship. Additional context on his business career and public appearances can be explored through his official website.