3 legendary NFL quarterbacks who played in the wrong era

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 2: Randall Cunningham #12 of the Philadelphia Eagles, drops back to pass in an NFL game against the San Francisco 49er's on October 2, 1994 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. At left is David Alexander #72 of the Eagles; at right is Dana Stubblefield #94 of the 49ers. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

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PASADENA, CA- JANUARY 9: Fran Tarkenton /

NFL quarterbacks from the wrong era: 2. Fran Tarkenton

The Minnesota Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1961. At that time, there were only 14 NFL franchises. With the first pick in the third round, they grabbed University of Georgia quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who would certainly leave his mark on professional football.

He would play a total of 18 seasons, including two stints with the Vikings. He was dealt to the New York Giants in 1967 and spent five years with the franchise before being dealt back to Minnesota in 1972.

His career figures of 47,003 passing yards and 342 touchdown tosses after he retired following the 1978 season lasted 17 years before fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino eclipsed both marks in 1995.

Of course, “Sir Francis” was incredibly durable despite the fact that he was seemingly always on the move. Tarkenton was a scrambler but also accumulated more running yards than some may think. He finished his career with 3,674 yards on the ground and 32 touchdowns. He was named to nine Pro Bowls and was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1975.

Postseason success eluded the productive signal-caller despite the fact that he helped guide the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances in four seasons. He frustrated many great defensive linemen.

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