Fran Tarkenton Autograph, signed in silver, with HOF inscription, on a purple Minnesota Vikings Mini Helmet complete with Schwartz COA. Francis Asbury Tarkenton is a former quarterback in the National Football League for 18 seasons, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings who drafted him in the third round of the 1961 NFL draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia, where he was recognized as a two-time first-team All-SEC.