7 greatest quarterbacks who were drafted by the Minnesota Vikings
By Adam Patrick
Fran Tarkenton
- Draft Year: 1961
- Draft Round: 3rd
- Draft Pick: No. 29
Like there was going to be any other choice for the top slot on this list.
Fran Tarkenton is not only the greatest quarterback the Vikings have ever drafted, he is the greatest quarterback to ever suit up in a Minnesota jersey.
Even though he was a third-round draft pick in 1961, he had the opportunity to start under center in 10 games for the Vikings during his rookie season.
His time on the field as a rookie didn’t produce great results for Minnesota (2-8 with Tarkenton as a starter in 1961), but the franchise eventually got to achieve success with him as their starting quarterback.
In 13 seasons with the Vikings, Tarkenton helped lead the team to three Super Bowl appearances and six division titles.
His 33,098 career passing yards with Minnesota are still the most in franchise history, along with his 239 career touchdown passes.
Tarkenton’s impressive career with the Vikings resulted in him earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986, something no other quarterback drafted by Minnesota has ever been able to accomplish.
Must Read. 30 greatest Vikings players of all-time. light