Jim Marshall, NFL ironman and Minnesota Vikings legend, dies at age 87

USA Today

2 days ago

Jim Marshall, NFL ironman and Minnesota Vikings legend, dies at age 87
The #Vikings family mourns the loss of Legend Jim Marshall.
Marshall set the standard for what it meant to be a Minnesota Viking, starting 270 consecutive games, appearing in 4 Super Bowls and serving as team captain for 14 consecutive seasons. https://t.co/o2avKghyWG pic.twitter.com/XOU4etfuWI — Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 3, 2025
One of the most durable players in NFL history − though he was perhaps best known for an infamous blunder − has died.
The Minnesota Vikings announced the passing of longtime defensive end Jim Marshall on Tuesday. A cause of death was not revealed, though the team said Marshall death came "following a lengthy hospitalization." He was 87.
Marshall played 19 of his 20 NFL seasons with the Vikings, joining them after being traded by the Cleveland Browns in 1961, which also happened to be Minnesota's inaugural season. Along with Gary Larsen and Hall of Famers Alan Page and Carl Eller, Marshall formed the famed "Purple People Eaters" defensive line, a unit that helped drive the team to four Super Bowl berths between the 1969 and 1976 seasons − still the Vikings' only appearances on Super Sunday, though they lost all four times.
A perennial team captain, Marshall started 270 consecutive regular-season games, second only to Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre (297) in NFL history. The 282 consecutive games Marshall played are the most ever by a defensive player in league annals. His 29 fumble recoveries were also a record at the time of his retirement following the 1979 season.
"The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning the loss of Jim Marshall," read a statement from the Wilf family, owners of the team. "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. Our hearts are with his wife, Susan, and all of Jim's loved ones."
However despite Marshall's lengthy service, membership on one of the league's most vaunted D-lines, two Pro Bowl nods and 130½ career sacks (all unofficial as they weren't recognized until 1982), it was a legendary mistake that perhaps brought him the most attention.
On Oct. 25, 1964, at San Francisco's Kezar Stadium, Marshall was hustling downfield while trailing a play in the fourth quarter. His effort was rewarded when he scooped up a fumble by the 49ers and took off for the end zone − unfortunately, it was Minnesota's. Not realizing he'd gotten disoriented, Marshall galloped 66 yards before crossing his goal line and chucking the ball toward the sideline in celebration. But instead of scoring six points for the Vikings, he'd provided a safety for the Niners. Ultimately, it didn't matter as Minnesota prevailed 27-22.
60 Years Ago Today
October 25, 1964
WRONG WAY MARSHALL#Vikings stalwart defensive end Jim Marshall returns a 49er fumble 66 yards — the wrong way — into his own end zone, scoring a safety for San Francisco on one of #NFL history's most bizarre, unforgettable plays.
The… pic.twitter.com/MFS44XSWN3 — Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) October 25, 2024
"He was a special player," legendary Vikings coach Bud Grant said at the team's facility a few years before his death in 2023.
Still, despite often being referred to as "Wrong Way Marshall," it was the accomplishments that distinguished him.
"Many times you're asked, 'Who are the greatest players?' As a coach, you can't say who is the best, but there is a category you do have, and that is 'special.' Jim Marshall was 'special.'"
The Vikings said a celebration of Marshall's life is in the works, and the team already has pictures of him splashed across the top of its X account.
All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.