Minnesota Vikings: Top 10 QBs in franchise history
By Dan Zinski
3. Tommy Kramer
Following a legend is never easy, as Tommy Kramer knows only too well.
Drafted in the first round in 1977, Kramer was tabbed as the man to replace Hall of Fame QB Fran Tarkenton. Kramer got his chance in 1979 after Tarkenton finally retired from the NFL.
Unfortunately for Kramer, his career in Minnesota would be marked more by frustration than triumph.
Injuries played a big part in Kramer never living up to his full potential. His rookie season of 1979 would mark the only time he ever played all 16 games.
Kramer also had the misfortune of joining the Vikings at a time when the whole franchise was in flux. The great defenses of the ’70s were gone and in the early ’80s Bud Grant left as well.
Kramer would end up with only one season in which he won at least eight games as a starter. He would make only one Pro Bowl appearance, after the 1986 season. He would win only two playoff games in 13 years.
Kramer ended his Vikings career with 24,775 passing yards and 159 TDs. Decent numbers but not good enough to compete with the epic exploits of Tarkenton.