NFL Legend Fran Tarkenton: Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes 'Doesn't Do Anything I Didn't Do'

Pro Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton has never shied away from a strong opinion, so it's not a surprise he thinks his skill set compares favorably to Patrick Mahomes among the current crop of superstar quarterbacks.

While telling The Athletic's Alec Lewis why he would have been more successful if he played in today's NFL, Tarkenton also said Mahomes "doesn't do anything I didn't do" during his career.

"I would be more successful today," he said. "Because the field is spread out more. I watch Patrick Mahomes. Patrick Mahomes doesn't do anything I didn't do. Nothing. ... I was just the first one who did it … with a fullback and two halfbacks!"

Tarkenton played 18 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings from 1961 to '78. He owned NFL records in career passing yards (47,003), completions (3,686) and passing touchdowns (342) at the time of his retirement.

On top of his ability as a passer, Tarkenton was an accomplished runner. His 3,674 rushing yards still ranks seventh all-time among quarterbacks.

Based on the way the position was played at the time, Tarkenton certainly stood out from the pack. He didn't exactly have Mahomes' accuracy, ability to avoid turnovers and get away from pressure.

Tarkenton's 266 interceptions are the fifth-most in NFL history. His 4.1 interception percentage is tied with Steve DeBerg and Trent Dilfer for 147th out of 212 quarterbacks with at least 1,500 career attempts. He was sacked a total of 570 times (most all-time) and taken down on 8.1 percent of his dropbacks.

By comparison, Mahomes has thrown 66 interceptions in 3,643 career attempts. That translates to a rate of 1.8 percent, tied with Tom Brady and Colin Kaepernick for the fifth-lowest rate in NFL history. He's only been sacked 152 times (4.01 percent).

It could be argued that the style of play and coaching today would work to maximize the things Tarkenton does best, but it's the combination of big plays created and seemingly always avoiding mistakes that separate Mahomes from everyone else.

As good as Tarkenton was, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which he plays exactly like Mahomes is right now.

Tarkenton doesn't need to be compared to Mahomes. His resume stands on its own with an MVP award in 1975 and having his No. 10 jersey retired by the Vikings. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and College Football Hall of Fame in 1987.