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Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament: (1) Fran Tarkenton vs (2) Alan Page

We've filled in half of our Final Four in our Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament, ladies and gentlemen, and this is the third match-up for your voting pleasure. Earlier in the Elite 8, we had a match-up between the Vikings' current best offensive and defensive players. . .this match-up might be between the Vikings' best offensive and defensive players ever.

Fran Tarkenton

Alma Mater: University of Georgia
Acquired by Vikings: Round 3, 1961 NFL Draft; trade with New York Giants, 1967
Seasons in Minnesota: 13 (1961-1966; 1972-1978)
Position: Quarterback
How He Got Here: Defeated Tim Irwin 188-12 in Round 1; Defeated Keith Millard 181-13 in Round 2; Defeated Kevin Williams 177-27 in Round 3

Fran Tarkenton is one of the most prolific quarterbacks not just in Minnesota Vikings history, but in the history of the National Football League. When he retired, he held virtually every major passing record the league had to offer, including yardage and touchdown passes. As you can see above, he had two separate stints with the Vikings, and was the team's quarterback for three of their four Super Bowl appearances. There's a reason that Sir Francis is one of the top four seeds in this tournament.


Alan Page

Alma Mater: University of Notre Dame
Acquired by Vikings: Round 1, 1967 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 12 (1967-1978)
Position: Defensive Tackle
How He Got Here: Defeated Tony Dungy 162-6 in Round 1; Defeated Mick Tingelhoff 166-10 in Round 2; Defeated Randall McDaniel 167-47 in Round 3

The rock of the famed Purple People Eaters and one of the best defensive tackles in the history of the National Football League, Alan Page is truly a legend. His biggest on-field accomplishment probably came in the 1971 season, when he became the first defensive player to be named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. He was a six-time All-Pro, and unofficially amassed 108.5 sacks as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. His #88 is one of only six to be retired by the team, and he is a member of the Minnesota Vikings' Ring of Honor.


If you need a primer on how the voting for our contest works, we have one for you at this link here. Remember, rec the comments to register your vote. Putting "Vote - Name" in the subject line of a post does not count.

If you want to vote for Fran Tarkenton, rec the comment that says "Vote - Fran Tarkenton"
If you want to vote for Alan Page, rec the comment that says "Vote - Alan Page"

Also, in light of what happened in our first Elite 8 match-up, please do not reply to either of the first two comments in the thread. Those comments need to remain together and not have one get pushed down the comments section.

Voting is open for 24 hours, just like always, folks. Have at it!