Fran Tarkenton. That’s who started it.
On Jan. 29, 1977, Tarkenton—weeks removed from the Vikings’ Super Bowl loss to the Raiders—became the first sports figure to host Saturday Night Live. Thus began a symbiotic relationship that has lasted decades. Whenever a sports figure attains a certain level of crossover fame, and is in the mood to poke gentle fun at themselves, Saturday Night Live awaits.