Richmond, Virginia-born Fran Tarkenton (1940-) rates as one of football's greatest scrambling quarterbacks. A third round pick in the 1961 NFL draft out of the University of Georgia, Tarkenton played his 1961-1978 pro football career with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, amassing 47,003 passing yards, 3,674 rushing yards and 374 total touchdowns. The 1975 NFL's Most Valuable Player and a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Fran Tarkenton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
Here are ten collectible Fran Tarkenton football artifacts that are sure to interest "Sir Francis" fans and sports memorabilia collectors. Now taking
the field once again #10 Fran Tarkenton...Fran Tarkenton 1962 Topps Rookie Football Card
Card #90 in the 1962 Topps football series constitutes one of Fran Tarkenton's coveted rookie cards. One graded example in SGC 84 near mint 7 condition sold at auction for $215.10. Other 1962 Fran Tarkenton rookie cards were issued by Kahn's Weiners and Post Cereal.
Fran Tarkenton Autographed Minnesota Vikings Replica Jersey
A Minnesota Vikings #10 replica jersey signed by Fran Tarkenton brought $119.50 at auction.
Fran Tarkenton 1960 and 1961 University of Georgia Yearbooks
Fran Tarkenton played his collegiate ball for the Georgia Bulldogs. Tarkenton's 1960 and 1961 junior and senior edition (respectively) University of Georgia Pandora yearbooks sold at auction for a bargain $28.75. Tarkenton a.k.a. "The Mad Scrambler" is pictured nine times in his 1961 senior yearbook.
Fran Tarkenton and Norm Van Brocklin Vintage Photograph
A circa 1960s 8x10-inch photograph featuring future Pro Football Hall of Famers Fran Tarkenton and Norm Van Brocklin brought $17 at auction. Tarkenton was the quarterback at Minnesota and Van Brocklin the head coach –
an alliance which eventually turned into a feud.Fran Tarkenton 1965 Autographed Sports Illustrated
Fran Tarkenton graces the September 13, 1965, edition of Sports Illustrated. A signed copy is valued at $20-25.
Fran Tarkenton 1976 Signed Sport Magazine
The February 1976 edition of Sport magazine features Performer of the Year: Fran Tarkenton The Man With The Golden Arm. An autographed edition is valued at $20-30.
Fran Tarkenton Circa 1960s Lot of Three Photos
A lot of three circa 1960s Fran Tarkenton photos taken by noted sports photographer Ken Regan sold at auction for $42.
Fran Tarkenton 1962 Post Cereal Football Card
Card #184 Fran Tarkenton graces the 1962 Post Cereal football series, which was issued on the back of cereal boxes. Examples in near mint condition are valued at approximately $150. Don't count on finding too many near mint cards!
Fran Tarkenton 1963 Topps Football Card
Card #98 in the 1963 Topps football set features Fran Tarkenton. Examples in near mint condition carry an approximate value of $25.
Fran Tarkenton 1970 Topps Super Football Card
Card #1 Fran Tarkenton heads the 1970 Topps super football series. Examples in near mint condition are valued at around $10.
Fran Tarkenton Sports Memorabilia Credits
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- Auction/sales results courtesy Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas; Vintage Football Card Gallery