Minnesota Vikings legend Jim Marshall died on Tuesday following a lengthy hospitalization, the team announced. He was 87 years old.
Marshall spent the bulk of his 20-year NFL career as a defensive end with Minnesota. He played in 1960 with the Cleveland Browns and then was traded to the Vikings in 1961.
Marshall was part of the Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defense and holds an NFL record for recovering 29 fumbles by his opponents. He was an iron man on defense and has the records for most consecutive starts (270) and most games played (282) by a defensive player.
The Vikings retired Marshall’s number (70) and made him a part of the team’s Ring of Honor.
The Vikings’ ownership group issued a statement following Marshall’s death.
“The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning 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. A cornerstone of the franchise from the beginning, Captain Jim’s unmatched durability and quiet leadership earned the respect of teammates and opponents throughout his 20-year career. Jim led by example, and there was no finer example for others 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,” the statement said.
No story about Marshall would be complete without a mention of his wrong-way run. During a 1964 game against the San Francisco 49ers, Marshall recovered a fumble by his offense and ran 66 yards the wrong direction into his team’s end zone for a safety. Luckily, his Vikings were still able to win the game.
