Fran Tarkenton Quotes

Powerful Fran Tarkenton for Daily Growth

About Fran Tarkenton

Fran Tarkenton (born August 31, 1940) is an American football quarterback, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, most notable for his exceptional career in the National Football League (NFL) and as a prolific author of self-help books. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Tarkenton attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison on a football scholarship, where he led the Badgers to three consecutive Rose Bowls (1960, 1961, and 1962) and won the Heisman Trophy in 1961. His college success translated into a successful NFL career, most notably with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played from 1961 to 1966 and again from 1972 to 1978. Tarkenton was known for his agility, quick decision-making, and elusive running style, earning him the nickname "Mr. Outside" and setting numerous records during his time in the league. In addition to his football career, Tarkenton is a bestselling author of self-help books aimed at helping individuals achieve success in various areas of life. Some of his most notable works include "The Franchise: A Quarterback's Guide to Becoming an Overachiever" (1986), "It's Not Whether You Get Knocked Down, It's Whether You Get Up" (1994), and "Fran Tarkenton's Winning Strategies for Life" (2000). These books draw on Tarkenton's experiences in football, business, and personal life to offer practical advice and motivation. Throughout his career, Tarkenton has been a strong advocate for the power of perseverance and adaptability. His infectious enthusiasm and resilience have inspired countless individuals both on and off the field. Today, he continues to speak at conferences and seminars, sharing his wisdom and insights with audiences worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

This quote highlights that success often stems not from one's physical or mental abilities, but rather from the determination, perseverance, and resilience embodied in one's willpower. A successful individual is distinguished not by what they lack, but by their unwavering commitment to achieving their goals, regardless of any obstacles they may face.


"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up."

This quote emphasizes resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. It suggests that life will inevitably knock us down at some point, but what truly matters is our ability to rise back up. The message encourages us not only to survive challenges, but to grow stronger through them, fostering a mindset that accepts setbacks as part of the journey towards success and personal development.


"You can't beat fear by avoiding it. You can only beat fear by doing the thing you fear."

The quote highlights that facing one's fears, rather than evading them, is the key to overcoming them. By taking action despite feeling afraid, individuals have an opportunity to demonstrate courage, build resilience, and gain self-confidence. This perspective encourages us to embrace challenges and seize opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked due to fear.


"Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable."

This quote suggests that individuals who are open to failure, view it as an unavoidable part of the path to success, rather than a barrier or defeat. By embracing the possibility of failure, these people persist in their efforts, which can ultimately lead them to achieve their goals. In essence, the quote underscores the importance of resilience and perseverance in the pursuit of success, as learning from setbacks is crucial for growth and progress.


"There are two kinds of people in this world – those who do the work and make things happen, and those who watch things happen."

This quote by Fran Tarkenton succinctly captures the essence of proactive versus reactive individuals in society. It suggests that there are two categories of people: those who take initiative, act on their ideas, and make things happen (doers), and those who observe events unfold without actively participating or taking responsibility for outcomes (spectators). The quote encourages a mindset of action, productivity, and self-determination.


You can only learn by opening yourself up to engage with different sources of information. How can you learn something if you never see it, read it, or hear it?

- Fran Tarkenton

Learn, Read, Sources, Engage

The New York Times Bestseller 'The Amateur,' written by Ed Klein, former editor of the 'New York Times Magazine,' is one of the best books I've read.

- Fran Tarkenton

New, Editor, Read, Bestseller

If you wait for the right time or the good times to start a business, you wait all your life.

- Fran Tarkenton

Business, Start, Wait, Right Time

You know, quarterbacks, I think greatness in quarterbacks is taking what you've got, whether it's a great team, a good team, or a struggling team and make them better.

- Fran Tarkenton

Greatness, Think, I Think, Struggling

That's how I judge a quarterback: Either you make plays or you don't. I don't even want to talk about mechanics.

- Fran Tarkenton

Want, About, Plays, Mechanics

Quarterbacks need to make their team better. If it's a bad team, they can even make a bad team better.

- Fran Tarkenton

Better, Bad, Need, Quarterback

Great quarterbacks, good quarterbacks, make plays.

- Fran Tarkenton

Good, Great, Plays, Quarterback

The pro athlete is a sad tale. He signs a big contract and thinks he's set for life. I didn't think I was set for life, and I don't now. As athletes, we are important, celebrities, in demand and rich. Then we are out of the game and we are not important, not celebrities, not in demand and not rich.

- Fran Tarkenton

Game, Big, Celebrities, Contract

If football taught me anything about business, it is that you win the game one play at a time.

- Fran Tarkenton

Business, Game, Play, Football

Ignoring facts does not make them go away.

- Fran Tarkenton

Away, Go Away, Does, Facts

In sports, teams win and individuals don't.

- Fran Tarkenton

Sports, Win, Individuals, Teams

What's so wonderful about football and business and show business is that every time I start thinking I'm special, I get knocked on my ass.

- Fran Tarkenton

Business, Show, About, Knocked

The greatness of America is capitalism, free market capitalism. The exceptionalism of American business.

- Fran Tarkenton

Business, Greatness, Market, Free Market

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