30 greatest players to never win a Super Bowl

26. Fran Tarkenton, QB, Minnesota Vikings

He put the scramble into scrambling quarterbacks. Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive linemen such as Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones spoke of their frustrations about having to chase “Sir Francis” all over the field. But even after nearly 40 years following his retirement, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton can still be found on the all-time passing lists when it comes to his production. And “That’s Incredible.”

A third-round draft choice by the Purple Gang in the team’s first year of existence in 1961, the former University of Georgia Bulldog was just that. The determined competitor spent his first six seasons in Minnesota before being traded to the Giants in 1967. But he was on the move again in 1972 and he was dealt back to the franchise that made him the 29th overall selection in ’61.

For those not familiar with his style of play, think Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson. Tarkenton was less of a runner and more of a manipulator when it came to eluding opposing pass rushers. In 18 NFL seasons, the 6-foot-0, 190-pound performer avoided defenses enough to throw for 47,003 yards (11th in NFL history) and 342 scores. The latter has only been topped by six players in league annals.

Of course, Tarkenton also help guide the Vikings to their last three Super Bowl appearances back in 1973, 1974 and ’76. All ended in defeat and to the great teams of that era in the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders, respectively. But he left quite the NFL legacy.

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