I just finished reading Fran Tarkenton's new biography, "Every Day Is Game Day." It has been my privilege to work with Fran over this past year as one of his business partners. Watch what Fran says about it in the video above.
Besides being loaded with rare photos of his NFL days with the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Giants, and his induction into the football Hall of Fame, Fran tells some fascinating stories about his childhood, growing up in the back alleys of Washington, DC. and moving to Athens, Georgia. The son of a preacher, Fran has that same fervor and zeal that has propelled his success over all these years.
He also relates inside stories of playing high school football and then playing in college for the Georgia Bulldogs. Also there are fascinating behind the scenes stories about coaches, players and the games that made him a record breaking Hall of Fame quarterback. His relationship with coach Bud Grant and players like Ahmad Rashad is telling about the character of this All-Star football player.
Especially touching is the loss of his father to a heart attack following the Vikings loss to Roger Staubach and the Dallas Cowboys when the "Hail Mary" pass was born.
There are some not so serious, even laughable moments as Fran relates his days as a Monday Night Football commentator, working alongside the great Don Meredith and the famous sports pundit Howard Cosell.
In, Every Day Is Game Day" you will discover some great insights into the man, the legend and the legacy of Fran Tarkenton, one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game. The stats and the stories speak for themselves:
- Almost instant star in very first game with new franchise with 4 touchdown passes, 1961
- Moved to New York Giants in 1967, back to Vikings in 1972 in stunning trades
- At retirement leading lifetime passer in 6467 attempts
- Leading passing quarterback with 3686 completions at retirement
- 47003 total yards passed
- Passed for 342 touchdowns
- Rushed for 3674 yards and 32 touchdowns
- Led Vikings to 3 Super Bowls
- All NFL player 4 times
- Selected for the Pro Bowl 9 times
- Famous for exciting elusive scrambling style of play
His fierce drive and determination are balanced by his commitment, care and concern about the people around him. I cried reading about Fran helping one of his business partners connect with some of their long lost family.
On the verge of turning 70, (though you'd never know it) Fran is still extremely active with the businesses he started and is still considered a hero to thousands of loyal fans, business associates and friends. Always a devoted father and husband,with high and noble ideals, I believe you will find this book to be an eye opener about what it takes to be a high achiever and a winner. Fran Tarkenton is all of that and more.
Do I recommend this book. The answer is a resounding YES! You will be encouraged, your heart will be stirred, you will be re-energized and, I believe, forever changed.
About the author: David Henning is the President of the Freshstart Company, LLC and has over thirty years experience as a radio talk show host, radio and television copywriter, newspaper editor and public speaker. Having started, owned and operated several businesses, Dave is a proven leader in the business world. Dave is a freelance copywriter and has authored hundreds of articles about helping people get a fresh start in life.
