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NFL: Ranking every MVP winner in league history based on pro career

By Hans Themistode

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images) /
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Fran Tarkenton
Fran Tarkenton (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 39. Fran Tarkenton

Stats:

  • 47003 passing yards
  • 342 passing touchdowns
  • 266 interceptions

The career of Fran Tarkenton had its ups and downs.

Essentially, Tarkenton would play extremely well for a short stretch before fizzling out. Then, he would suddenly pick things back up and find himself mentioned amongst the best in the league again.

After being selected as a Pro Bowler in the mid and late 1960s, Tarkenton would go through a three-year stretch where he wasn’t selected at all due to mediocre play. But, as previously mentioned, Tarkenton picked it back up during the back half of his career before hanging up his cleats in 1978.

Interestingly enough, in his final season in the league, at the age of 38, Tarkenton played his best football. He registered a career-high and league-best 3,468 passing yards. He also recorded 25 touchdowns. Maybe the reason he decided to stop playing is because of his accuracy issues. On the year, he led the league with a ridiculous 32 interceptions. Maybe he chose the right time to pull the curtains down on his career.

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