Tanner was selected by the
New York Giants in the 30th round, with the 384th overall pick, of the
1950 NFL draft. He played in 12 games for the 49ers during the 1951 season and scored one safety. He was waived in late September 1952. Tanner was claimed off waivers by the
Dallas Texans on September 29, 1952. He appeared in ten games, all starts, for the Texans in 1952, recording one fumble recovery and one kick return for 19 yards. The Texans finished the season with a 1–11 record. Tanner signed with the
Baltimore Colts on July 10, 1953. On August 20, 1953, it was reported that Tanner had been released. ==Personal life==