Tannen was a standout who played for the Florida Gator’s football program in the late sixties. He helped lead them to the best record in the nation during his senior year. This came when his Gator’s upset the Tennessee Volunteer’s due to his last minute punt block.

Tannen was the twentieth pick in the 1970 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played until 1974 and finished his career with a total of twelve interceptions.