Comparing the NFL Careers of Roger Staubach and Fran Tarkenton: A Quarterback's Legacy

In the rich history of the National Football League (NFL), two legendary starting quarterbacks stand out: Roger Staubach and Fran Tarkenton. Both players made significant contributions to their teams and to the game of football. This article aims to highlight the key differences in their careers and explore what made their legacies so unique.

Overview of NFL Careers

First introduced to the NFL in the 1960s, both Staubach and Tarkenton had long and storied careers, but they differed in several fundamental ways:

Tarkenton's Longevity vs. Staubach's Career Span

Fran Tarkenton: With a career that spanned 18 seasons, Tarkenton was the epitome of longevity in the NFL. His long tenure with the Minnesota Vikings (1963-1979) earned him the nickname 'Franz from Princeton.' Despite facing many injuries and changes in coaching philosophies, Tarkenton’s durability and adaptability contributed significantly to his team's success.

Roger Staubach: In contrast, Staubach's career was shorter, with only 11 seasons (1969-1979). However, the time he spent in the league was marked by high achievement and leadership. Staubach played for one team, the Dallas Cowboys, during his entire career, a factor that often defines his legacy within the franchise.

Title IX: Super Bowl Championships

Tarkenton's career was defined by its length and resilience, while Staubach's career, particularly during his prime, was distinguished by his title successes:

Super Bowl Victories: Both players made significant contributions in the Super Bowl era, but only Staubach won the coveted championship twice. During the 1971 and 1977 seasons, Staubach led the Dallas Cowboys to Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII, respectively, where they emerged as victorious. These victories cemented his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

No Super Bowl for Tarkenton: Unfortunately, Tarkenton never tasted the pinnacle of success in a Super Bowl. Despite his heroics in the 1970 Minnesota–Denver Broncos playoff game that earned him the nickname 'The Franchise,' his career did not end with a Super Bowl win, marking a bittersweet end to his otherwise impressive career.

Leadership and Legacy

Both players commanded respect and admiration from their teammates and fans, but their legacies are shaped by different factors:

Leadership Style and Team Dynamics

Roger Staubach: Staubach was known for his leadership and mentorship on and off the field. His consistency and solid play over the years created a stable environment for the Dallas Cowboys. His leadership was recognized by the team's own franchise statistics, as the Cowboys won four division titles and made the postseason six times during his tenure.

Fran Tarkenton: Tarkenton’s role as a team leader was also significant, especially during his early career. His ability to help draft and develop young players, such as Douglas Coleman and Jim Mischel, demonstrates his commitment to the quarterback position and the growth of the Vikings’ roster during his time with the team.

Impact on Team Performance

Staubach's impact on the Dallas Cowboys was profound, not just in the Super Bowls but also in regular-season success. His performance included passing 23,063 yards and completing 1,412 passes, leading the team in passing yards in three consecutive seasons.

Tarkenton, though, played in a different era, when quarterback play was not as highly regarded as today. His 55,715 passing yards and 213 touchdowns highlight his efficiency and ability to use the team's resources to their maximum potential. Although he never won a Super Bowl, his contributions to the Vikings' success, including the remarkable playoff victory over the Denver Broncos, were considerable.

Conclusion

While both Fran Tarkenton and Roger Staubach played critical roles in the NFL, their careers were defined by different attributes and outcomes. Tarkenton’s long and resilient career earned him a place in Vikings lore, while Staubach's shorter but more glorious tenure saw him reach the heights of Super Bowl glory twice. Both players left indelible marks on the game and on their respective franchises, making them iconic figures in the annals of NFL history.