Net Worth Ranker
What Is Fran Tarkenton’s Net Worth?
Fran Tarkenton, a name synonymous with NFL quarterback excellence, boasts a substantial net worth of $300 million. This impressive figure is a culmination of his successful career as a professional athlete, a savvy television personality, and an astute computer software executive. His financial journey began with modest beginnings but transformed into a multi-faceted empire through strategic investments and entrepreneurial ventures.
Fran Tarkenton’s NFL Career and Earnings
Tarkenton’s NFL career spanned 18 seasons, from 1961 to 1978, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings and a stint with the New York Giants. He was drafted in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. During his time in the NFL, he achieved remarkable milestones. By the time he retired in 1978, he held NFL records for career pass attempts, completions, yardage, and touchdowns. His statistics are impressive: 3,686 completions out of 6,467 attempts for 47,003 yards and 342 touchdowns. Tarkenton’s 47,003 career passing yards rank him 6th all time, while his 342 career passing touchdowns is 4th all time in NFL history. These achievements solidified his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1986.
Financially, Tarkenton’s early career earnings were relatively modest. When he became the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the early 1960s, his annual salary was $12,500, equivalent to approximately $111,000 today when adjusted for inflation. Early in his career, Fran supplemented his income during the off-season. For example, he worked as a salesman for a trucking company in Idaho to earn $600 per month. He also worked for a printing company in Minnesota and for the advertising firm BBD&O. His peak single-season salary was $250,000. In total, during his NFL career Fran Tarkenton earned $1.2 million. That’s the same as around $8 million today. Besides his NFL salary, Fran also earned money from endorsements with companies like Johnson & Johnson.
Transition to Business and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond the gridiron, Fran Tarkenton transitioned into the business world, establishing himself as a successful entrepreneur. He co-hosted the live television show “That’s Incredible!” and also worked as a commentator on “Monday Night Football.” He founded Tarkenton Software, a computer-program generator company, and he toured the U.S. promoting CASE (computer-aided software engineering) with Albert F. Case, J. of Nastec Corporation. Tarkenton Software later merged with KnowledgeWare. In 1989, when KnowledgeWare went public, Fran made several million dollars. By 1991, his shares were valued at $50 million on paper. Even though the share price declined in the following years, Fran still managed to sell approximately $4 million worth of his shares between 1992 and 1993. The company was eventually sold to Sterling Software in 1994 for $73 million. From this sale, Fran earned $6 million and secured a 5-year seat on the company’s board, along with a $300,000 annual consulting salary.
Today Fran owns Tarkenton Financial, GoSmallBiz and Tarkenton Teleconferencing. He also reportedly owns more than $100 million worth of Apple stock and $15 million worth of real estate. These diverse ventures contribute significantly to Fran Tarkenton’s net worth, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in multiple fields. Fran Tarkenton’s journey from a quarterback with a $12,500 salary to a businessman with a $300 million net worth demonstrates the power of strategic thinking, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Fran Tarkenton’s Diverse Revenue Streams
Fran Tarkenton’s substantial net worth is not solely derived from his NFL earnings or his initial business ventures. His financial portfolio is diversified across various sectors, including real estate, technology, and financial services. His reported ownership of over $100 million in Apple stock illustrates a keen understanding of technology investments. Furthermore, his $15 million in real estate holdings suggests a balanced approach to wealth management.
The revenue streams from Tarkenton Financial, GoSmallBiz, and Tarkenton Teleconferencing provide ongoing income, further solidifying his financial stability. Tarkenton Financial, in particular, focuses on providing financial advice and services, leveraging Fran Tarkenton’s personal brand and business acumen. GoSmallBiz is likely involved in supporting small business owners, while Tarkenton Teleconferencing caters to the growing demand for virtual communication solutions. Each of these ventures contributes to the overall net worth of Fran Tarkenton, reflecting his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.
In addition to these primary sources of income, Fran Tarkenton’s continued involvement in media and public speaking engagements likely generates additional revenue. His appearances on television shows and as a commentator on “Monday Night Football” established his brand as a recognizable and respected figure. This brand recognition can translate into lucrative opportunities for endorsements, sponsorships, and public speaking engagements. All of these factors contribute to Fran Tarkenton’s net worth and highlight the diverse streams of income that he has cultivated throughout his career.
Considering that his shares in KnowledgeWare were worth $50 million on paper by 1991 demonstrates that Fran’s strategic business moves have had a significant impact on his overall net worth. The $6 million he earned from the sale of KnowledgeWare to Sterling Software, along with the 5-year board seat and $300,000 annual consulting salary, further illustrates the lucrative nature of his business dealings. These financial milestones underscore the importance of business acumen in Fran Tarkenton’s overall net worth.
Early Life and Education
Fran Tarkenton’s early life and education laid the foundation for his future success, both on and off the field. Born on February 3, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia, he spent his formative years in Athens, Georgia, where he attended Athens High School. His athletic abilities and leadership qualities became evident during his time there, setting the stage for his collegiate career.
He attended the University of Georgia, where he excelled as the quarterback for the Bulldog football team. His performance on the field led Georgia to the 1959 Southeastern Conference championship. He is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Tarkenton’s experiences in college not only honed his athletic skills but also instilled in him the discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking that would serve him well in his later endeavors. The connections and relationships he formed during his college years likely played a role in his subsequent business ventures and media career. His strong foundation in education and athletics provided the springboard for his diverse and successful career, contributing significantly to his substantial net worth.
NFL Career Highlights and Legacy
Fran Tarkenton’s career in the National Football League (NFL) was marked by innovation, leadership, and exceptional performance. Drafted in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, his career began in a league that was rapidly evolving. Known for his scrambling abilities, he added a new dimension to the quarterback role, often eluding defenders to extend plays. His unique style of play not only made him a fan favorite but also set a precedent for future generations of mobile quarterbacks. Tarkenton played for the Vikings from 1961 to 1966 before being traded to the New York Giants, where he played from 1967 to 1971. He then returned to the Vikings in 1972 and led the team to three Super Bowl appearances in 1973, 1974, and 1976. Although the Vikings did not win a championship, Tarkenton’s leadership and skillful play left an indelible mark on the franchise.
Throughout his career, Tarkenton was named to the Pro Bowl nine times and won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award in 1975. By the time he retired in 1978, he held NFL records for career pass attempts, completions, yardage, and touchdowns, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. These achievements not only contributed to his immediate earnings but also enhanced his long-term brand value, opening doors to opportunities in media, endorsements, and business. His influence on the game of football is undeniable, and his contributions continue to be celebrated by fans and analysts alike.
Tarkenton’s legacy extends beyond statistics and awards. He is remembered as a player who revolutionized the quarterback position, inspiring countless young athletes to embrace mobility and improvisation. His leadership on and off the field made him a role model for teammates and fans. As a result, Fran Tarkenton’s net worth benefits from the continued appreciation and recognition of his NFL career, demonstrating the lasting impact of athletic achievement on financial success.
Fran Tarkenton’s journey to accumulating a net worth of $300 million exemplifies the synergy between athletic prowess, business acumen, and media presence. His ability to leverage his NFL fame into diverse revenue streams, ranging from technology investments to financial services, demonstrates a strategic approach to wealth creation. His story serves as an inspiration for athletes and entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of adaptability, innovation, and long-term planning.
Post-NFL Career in Media
After retiring from the NFL in 1978, Fran Tarkenton seamlessly transitioned into the world of media, further enhancing his brand recognition and financial opportunities. He co-hosted the live television show “That’s Incredible!” and also worked as a commentator on “Monday Night Football.” These high-profile roles allowed him to maintain a strong public presence and capitalize on his existing fan base.
His work as a television personality not only provided a steady income stream but also enhanced his marketability, leading to lucrative endorsement deals and sponsorship opportunities. His ability to connect with audiences and articulate his thoughts made him a sought-after commentator and public speaker. His media career contributed to his overall net worth, showcasing the value of brand management and diversification.
The revenue generated from his media appearances and endorsements likely played a significant role in funding his subsequent business ventures, enabling him to invest in and grow his companies. This strategic use of his media platform demonstrates his understanding of how to leverage his fame for financial gain. Fran Tarkenton’s net worth is a testament to his ability to navigate both the athletic and media landscapes, demonstrating the power of versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.
Fran Tarkenton’s Business Investments
Fran Tarkenton’s business acumen is evident in his strategic investments across various sectors, contributing substantially to his $300 million net worth. He founded Tarkenton Software, a computer-program generator company, and he toured the U.S. promoting CASE (computer-aided software engineering) with Albert F. Case, J. of Nastec Corporation. Tarkenton Software later merged with KnowledgeWare. When KnowledgeWare went public in 1989, Fran made several million dollars. By 1991 his shares were worth $50 million on paper. The share price dwindled over the next few years but Fran still managed to sell around $4 million worth of his shares between 1992 and 1993. The company was sold to Sterling Software in 1994 for $73 million. Fran earned $6 million off this sale AND received a 5-year seat on the company’s board plus a $300,000 annual consulting salary.
Today Fran owns Tarkenton Financial, GoSmallBiz and Tarkenton Teleconferencing. He also reportedly owns more than $100 million worth of Apple stock and $15 million worth of real estate. These diverse investments demonstrate his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends. His focus on technology, financial services, and small business support reflects a forward-thinking approach to wealth creation.
His reported ownership of over $100 million in Apple stock, in particular, showcases his understanding of the potential for growth in the technology sector. His $15 million in real estate holdings further diversifies his portfolio, providing a stable and appreciating asset base. These investments contribute to his overall net worth, demonstrating his commitment to building long-term financial security. Fran Tarkenton’s net worth is a testament to his ability to translate his athletic success into a diversified and thriving business empire.
Financial Milestones and Significant Events
Fran Tarkenton’s journey to a $300 million net worth is marked by several significant financial milestones and events. One of the earliest was his initial NFL salary of $12,500, which, while modest by today’s standards, provided the foundation for his future wealth. His subsequent peak single-season salary of $250,000 reflected his growing prominence and market value.
His business ventures, in particular the founding of Tarkenton Software and its merger with KnowledgeWare, played a crucial role in his financial success. When KnowledgeWare went public in 1989, Fran made several million dollars. By 1991 his shares were worth $50 million on paper. The share price dwindled over the next few years but Fran still managed to sell around $4 million worth of his shares between 1992 and 1993. The company was sold to Sterling Software in 1994 for $73 million. Fran earned $6 million off this sale AND received a 5-year seat on the company’s board plus a $300,000 annual consulting salary. His reported ownership of over $100 million in Apple stock and $15 million in real estate highlights his continued success in identifying and capitalizing on investment opportunities.
The combination of his NFL earnings, media career, and successful business ventures has allowed him to accumulate substantial wealth. Fran Tarkenton’s net worth is a testament to his ability to adapt, innovate, and seize opportunities, demonstrating the power of strategic thinking and long-term planning.
