Minnesota Vikings: Top 30 draft picks in franchise history
By Dan Zinski
Aug 8, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Mick Tingelhoff (right) poses with bust and presenter Frank Tarkenton during the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. Fran Tarkenton
The Vikings selected Fran Tarkenton No. 29 overall out of Georgia in the 1961 NFL Draft. Tarkenton was also taken by the Boston Patriots of the AFL but elected to sign with the Vikings.
Fran was on the field for the Vikings’ first-ever game on Sept. 17, 1961.
Tarkenton played with the Vikings through the 1966 season when he was traded to the New York Giants. He returned to Minnesota in 1972 and led the Vikings to three Super Bowls.
Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season and still holds the Vikings’ all-time records for most passing yards (33,098) and passing touchdowns (239).
Fran was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
The Vikings are very thankful Tarkenton chose the NFL over the AFL. And was willing to return to Minnesota after his time away.