How did a legendary NFL quarterback turn into a multimillionaire entrepreneur? Fran Tarkenton net worth isn’t just about his football earnings—it’s about how he built a business empire after leaving the game.
While many athletes struggle financially post-retirement, he made strategic moves that skyrocketed his wealth.
From his time with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants to his business ventures like Tarkenton Software and KnowledgeWare, his journey is nothing short of remarkable.
In this article, PBC breaks down his career earnings, investments, and the key financial decisions that shaped his fortune.
Fran Tarkenton Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Francis Asbury Tarkenton |
| Popular Name | Fran Tarkenton |
| Birth Date | February 3, 1940 |
| Age (as of 03/12/2025) | 85 years old |
| Birthplace | Richmond, Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | University of Georgia |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Anna Elaine Merrell (m. 1960–1982), Linda Sebastian Tarkenton |
| Children | Hayley Tarkenton, Matthew Tarkenton, Melissa Tarkenton, Angela Tarkenton |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Dallas Tarkenton |
| Height | 1.83 meters |
| Net Worth | $300 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | NFL salary, business ventures, investments |
What is the Net Worth of Fran Tarkenton in 2025?
As of 2025, Fran Tarkenton’s net worth is estimated to be $300 million. His wealth doesn’t just come from football—he built a highly successful career as an entrepreneur, investing in software, finance, and consulting businesses.
To put this into perspective, his net worth is significantly higher than many retired NFL players. While quarterbacks like Joe Namath and Terry Bradshaw remain wealthy, Tarkenton’s financial acumen has kept him ahead. He has also made strategic investments, including Apple stock, worth over $100 million.
Related Figures
- Minnesota Vikings
- New York Giants
- KnowledgeWare
- Sterling Software
- Tarkenton Software
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Apple Inc.
- Tarkenton Financial
- GoSmallBiz
- Monday Night Football
Want to explore more of the wealthiest sports figures? Check out this list of top-earning athletes.
Fran Tarkenton Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did He Earn His Salary During His NFL Career?
He played 18 seasons in the NFL, spending time with both the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants. His early salary was modest by today’s standards—his first contract paid $12,500 per year, which would be about $111,000 today.
At the peak of his career, he earned $250,000 per season. However, his total NFL earnings were around $1.2 million, which translates to about $8 million in today’s dollars. To supplement his income, he worked off-season jobs, including sales roles at a trucking company and an advertising firm.
Unlike modern quarterbacks who sign $50 million contracts, his earnings on the field were relatively small. However, he made up for it with smart financial decisions.
His Transition from Football to Business Ventures
After retiring in 1978, he didn’t settle for a simple life. Instead, he built a business empire, becoming a software pioneer and a financial consultant.
- Founded Tarkenton Software – A computer-programming company focused on CASE (computer-aided software engineering).
- Merged Tarkenton Software with KnowledgeWare – This was one of his most lucrative moves, as KnowledgeWare later went public.
- Sold KnowledgeWare to Sterling Software for $73 million – He personally earned $6 million from the sale and received a $300,000 annual consulting salary for five years.
- Started Tarkenton Financial and GoSmallBiz – Both companies focus on business consulting and financial planning.
Unlike many retired athletes, he avoided financial pitfalls by focusing on entrepreneurship and long-term wealth-building.
How He Built His Fortune Through Smart Investments
His biggest investment win came from Apple stock, where he reportedly holds over $100 million worth of shares. This alone has contributed to a significant portion of his fortune.
He has also invested in:
- Real estate holdings worth $15 million
- Annuities and financial services through Tarkenton Financial
- Multiple business ventures in software and consulting
His ability to diversify his portfolio is what separates him from many retired athletes who rely solely on endorsements or savings.
Key Financial Milestones and Career Achievements
Throughout his career, he hit several major financial milestones:
- First NFL quarterback to make strategic business moves post-retirement
- Earnings from KnowledgeWare IPO reached $50 million at its peak
- Built a multimillion-dollar software company before tech booms
- One of the first athletes to transition into financial consulting
- Maintained a steady consulting income even after selling businesses
Despite facing some financial setbacks, including a $100,000 SEC fine related to KnowledgeWare in 1999, he successfully rebuilt his fortune through smart investments.
Conclusion
Fran Tarkenton’s financial success goes far beyond football. He turned a modest NFL salary into a multimillion-dollar empire through entrepreneurship, investing, and smart financial planning. His story serves as an inspiration for athletes and business leaders alike.
For more deep dives into celebrity wealth, visit Pennbookcenter.com. Let us know your thoughts in the comments and share this article if you found it insightful!
