Vikings legend Jim Marshall, former NFL iron man, dies at 87
Jim Marshall, former Minnesota Vikings defensive end and NFL iron man, played 282 consecutive games from 1961 to 1979 and was part of the Purple People Eaters defense (AP Photo/Jim Mone, FIle)
Synopsis Jim Marshall, longtime Minnesota Vikings defensive end and former NFL record-holder for most consecutive games played, has died at age 87. Marshall played 282 straight games from 1961 to 1979, was a key part of the Purple People Eaters defense, and helped lead the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall, who held the NFL record for most consecutive games played for three decades, has died at age 87, the team confirmed Tuesday, June 3. Marshall passed away following a prolonged hospitalization.
ADVERTISEMENT Marshall joined the Minnesota Vikings during their inaugural NFL season in 1961 after beginning his career with the Cleveland Browns. He remained a mainstay on the defensive line, playing in every game until his retirement following the 1979 season. His total of 282 consecutive games played, 270 of them with the Vikings, stood as the league record until quarterback Brett Favre surpassed it in 2009, also while playing for Minnesota.
Also read: NFL 2025 prediction: 12 teams still chasing their first Super Bowl – who's poised to break through?
During Favre's record-breaking season, Marshall visited a Vikings practice to personally congratulate him. 'I told him I admired his career and was really happy that he was the one breaking that record,' Marshall said at the time.
Marshall was a cornerstone of the Vikings' famed 'Purple People Eaters' defensive front, which helped propel the franchise to four Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s. He served as a team captain for 14 seasons and was known for his consistency, durability, and leadership both on and off the field.Although sacks were not an official NFL statistic until 1982, retrospective analysis conducted by Pro Football Reference credited Marshall with 130.5 sacks, which would place him tied for 22nd all-time in league history. Despite one of the most well-known errors in NFL Films history, a 1964 fumble return in which he ran the wrong way and inadvertently scored a safety, Marshall's career accomplishments remained substantial.
ADVERTISEMENT Minnesota Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf issued a statement mourning his death: 'No player in Vikings history lived the ideals of toughness, camaraderie and passion more than the all-time iron man. Jim Marshall's unmatched durability and quiet leadership earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike throughout his 20-year career.'
Also read: NFL: 'I wanted to finish it here': Emotional David Andrews retires after a decade as Patriots' heart and soul on the O-Line Marshall's NFL legacy includes not just his statistical achievements, but his role in shaping the identity of the Minnesota Vikings franchise. His impact remained visible long after retirement, and he was frequently recognized as a foundational figure in team history.
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