Fran Tarkenton is a legendary American football quarterback, television personality, author, and businessman. He spent 18 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, and briefly with the New York Giants.
Tarkenton was known for his innovative scrambling ability, which set him apart from traditional quarterbacks of his era. He was not only a game-changer in football but also someone who successfully transitioned into business after retirement.
He is often remembered as a man who shaped the modern quarterback role and later became an entrepreneur worth millions.
Fran Tarkenton Biography Table
The story of Fran Tarkenton goes beyond football. He is a role model in sports, business, and personal life. His biography covers achievements, family, education, and personal milestones.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Francis Asbury Tarkenton |
| Known As | Fran Tarkenton |
| Date of Birth | February 3, 1940 |
| Age (2025) | 85 years old |
| Birthplace | Richmond, Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Profession | Retired NFL Quarterback, Entrepreneur |
| NFL Teams | Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants |
| Playing Career | 1961–1978 |
| Jersey Number | #10 |
| NFL Achievements | 9× Pro Bowl, NFL MVP 1975, Hall of Fame 1986 |
| Business Ventures | Tarkenton Software, KnowledgeWare, GoSmallBiz, Tarkenton Financial |
| Estimated Net Worth | $300 Million |
| Education | University of Georgia (BBA degree) |
| Family | Parents: Dallas Tarkenton & Frances Tarkenton |
| Spouses | Anna Elaine Merrell (1960–1982), Linda Sebastian (1986–1999), Linda (current) |
| Children | 4 children |
| Religion | Christian |
| Residence | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Hobbies | Mentoring entrepreneurs, writing, public speaking |
| Books Authored | “Playing to Win”, “Every Day Is Game Day” |
| Social Media | Twitter: @Fran_Tarkenton, LinkedIn: Fran Tarkenton |
What is Fran Tarkenton Net Worth?
The estimated Fran Tarkenton net worth is $300 million as of 2025. This makes him one of the wealthiest former NFL players in history.
His wealth did not come from NFL salaries alone, since in his playing days, athletes earned far less than today. Instead, he built fortune through entrepreneurship, technology investments, and financial services.
Some major sources of Fran Tarkenton net worth include:
- Tarkenton Software, later merged into KnowledgeWare, sold for millions.
- Early Apple stock investments, now worth over $100 million.
- Real estate holdings estimated at $15 million.
- Companies like GoSmallBiz and Tarkenton Financial, which provide consulting and financial services.
His smart financial planning turned him into an example of how athletes can build long-term wealth.
Why Fran Tarkenton Famous?
Fran Tarkenton became famous for his NFL career where he broke several passing records. His style of extending plays with mobility was ahead of its time. Fans called him one of the first “mobile quarterbacks” in NFL history.
Even though he never won a Super Bowl, his leadership took the Vikings to three appearances in the championship game. He was a 9-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
Beyond football, he gained fame as a business leader and motivational speaker. He appeared on TV shows, co-hosted “That’s Incredible!” in the 1980s, and became a voice in business education.
What is Fran Tarkenton Age?
Fran Tarkenton was born on February 3, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia. As of 2025, he is 85 years old.
Despite being in his 80s, he remains active in public life, offering advice on business and leadership. His age reflects not only his longevity but also the resilience he developed as an athlete.
Fran Tarkenton Biography
Early Life
Fran Tarkenton was born into a religious family in Richmond, Virginia. His father was a Methodist minister who later moved the family to Georgia. Growing up, Fran learned discipline, responsibility, and faith.
Football became his passion early. By high school, he was already known for his agility and leadership skills. These traits would later define his NFL career.
Education
Fran Tarkenton attended the University of Georgia, where he majored in Business Administration. His time at Georgia was remarkable because he led the Bulldogs to the 1959 SEC Championship.
His strong college performance made him an attractive pick for the NFL draft. He combined academic skills with athletic discipline, preparing him for future business ventures.
Family
Family has always been central to Fran Tarkenton’s life. His parents supported his career from the beginning, and his upbringing built a foundation of faith and resilience.
He has been married three times. His marriages brought him four children, and he remains close to his extended family. Today, he enjoys being a grandfather and cherishes family gatherings.
Personal Life
In personal life, Fran Tarkenton is described as driven, disciplined, and spiritual. He is committed to both his professional and private worlds.
Even though he faced setbacks like divorces and business challenges, he always moved forward. His Christian faith has guided him, and he has written motivational books to inspire others.
Lifestyle
With a net worth of $300 million, Fran Tarkenton enjoys a comfortable lifestyle but is not flashy. Unlike many wealthy athletes, he avoids extravagant spending.
He owns several properties, especially in Atlanta, Georgia. His focus is on investing in businesses, mentoring startups, and supporting financial education. His lifestyle reflects balance, wisdom, and purpose.
Fran Tarkenton Height and Weight
Fran Tarkenton’s physical build helped him succeed as a quarterback. He stands 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs 190 pounds (86 kg).
He was never the biggest quarterback, but his mobility and sharp mind made him effective. Today, he maintains health through an active lifestyle, proving longevity comes from discipline.
Fran Tarkenton Media Presence
Fran Tarkenton has remained in the media spotlight even after football. He co-hosted “That’s Incredible!”, a popular TV show in the 1980s. He also appeared on Good Morning America and various sports programs.
In recent years, he uses social media to share business advice, motivational quotes, and football memories. His presence online keeps him connected to fans and entrepreneurs.
Fran Tarkenton Social Media Accounts
- Twitter: @Fran_Tarkenton
- Facebook: Fran Tarkenton
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fran Tarkenton net worth?
Fran Tarkenton net worth is estimated at $300 million as of 2025.
How old is Fran Tarkenton now?
He is 85 years old, born on February 3, 1940.
Did Fran Tarkenton ever win a Super Bowl?
No, although he played in three Super Bowls, he never won.
What awards did Fran Tarkenton receive in the NFL?
He was a 9-time Pro Bowl quarterback and won the NFL MVP in 1975.
What companies has Fran Tarkenton founded?
He founded Tarkenton Software, GoSmallBiz, and Tarkenton Financial.
Conclusion
Fran Tarkenton’s journey is a lesson in success, resilience, and transformation. From a young quarterback in Georgia to an NFL legend, he redefined how quarterbacks play. His Hall of Fame career was only the beginning.
The estimated Fran Tarkenton net worth of $300 million shows how athletes can thrive after sports with discipline and vision. His role as a businessman, author, and mentor continues to influence new generations.
Fran Tarkenton remains a symbol of hard work, innovation, and leadership, proving that every day can be a new game day.
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