Bob Lee

J.J. McCarthy's got the luxury Bob Lee never had—a modern offense built around him. McCarthy's the present and future; Lee was a Swiss Army knife who punted, backed up, and occasionally started when injuries struck. McCarthy will throw for more yards in a season than Lee did in his entire career. Different eras, different expectations, but McCarthy's got the clearer path to stardom.

Bob Lee never made Canton, and frankly, his résumé doesn't scream Hall of Famer. He threw for 5,034 yards with a 63.7 passer rating across 12 seasons. He won a Super Bowl ring with the Vikings, but mostly as a backup and occasional starter. Lee was a reliable soldier in Minnesota's dynasty, not the franchise centerpiece.

I don't have current information about Bob Lee's 2026 activities in these search results. Without reliable data on his present-day work—whether in broadcasting, business, or community involvement—I can't give you specifics. You'd want to check recent Vikings alumni updates or local Minnesota sources for what he's doing now.

Lee's 50.4% completion percentage and weak arm would get exposed immediately under modern rules. Today's defenses play softer coverage, but quarterbacks need to process faster and throw with precision. He'd struggle with the pace and complexity. That said, his mobility and football intelligence might've developed differently with contemporary coaching—but raw talent-wise, he'd be a career backup in 2026.

Tarkenton laps Lee like it's not even close. Fran's 47.86 rating versus Lee's 24.69 tells the story. Tarkenton was a generational talent who revolutionized the position; Lee was the capable understudy who stepped in when needed. Both wore purple with pride, but Tarkenton belongs in a different conversation entirely—Hall of Famer versus solid journeyman.