Jim Marshall, Vikings Legend, Passes Away
EAGAN, Minn. – The football world mourns the loss of Jim Marshall, legendary defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings, who passed away on Tuesday after a long hospitalization, according to the team. He was 87 years old.Marshall joined the Vikings in their inaugural season in 1961 and participated in every game from then on. His record of 282 consecutive games played (270 with the Vikings), established upon retiring in 1979, stood until quarterback Brett Favre broke it, also wearing the Vikings uniform, in 2009.
Marshall attended a Vikings training session that season to congratulate Favre and commented at the time: “I told him I admired his career and was very happy that he was the one to break that record.”
Marshall earned a permanent place in NFL Films history in 1964 when he ran a fumble in the wrong direction in a game against the San Francisco 49ers, celebrating what he thought was a touchdown, but instead scored a safety. However, his career achievements far surpassed that mistake.
He was the captain of the Vikings for 14 seasons and participated in four Super Bowls as part of the franchise’s famous defense, known as the “Purple People Eaters.” Although sacks did not become an official statistic until 1982, a research project coordinated by Pro Football Reference attributed 130.5 to him, which would place him in 22nd place in NFL history.The entire Minnesota Vikings organization mourns the loss of Jim Marshall. No player in Vikings history lived the ideals of toughness, camaraderie, and passion more than the all-time iron man.
Mark and Zygi Wilf, Vikings Owners
Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf issued a statement expressing: “A cornerstone of the franchise from the beginning, Captain Jim’s unparalleled durability and quiet leadership earned the respect of teammates and opponents throughout his 20-year career. Jim led by example, and there was no better example to follow. His impact on the Vikings was felt long after he left the field. Jim will always be remembered as a tremendous player and person. Our hearts are with his wife, Susan, and all of Jim’s loved ones.”
