RIP: Jim Marshall
 

Long-time Captain and a Viking fan favorite. 270 consecutive games played plus some more post-season-- back when the season was only 14 games long, meaning he started at defensive end every game for more than 19 years.

Very generous and colorful guy, as well as adventurous. Known for running the wrong way with a fumble for a 66 yard TD (er, safety), he was the gentle giant on the line with Eller and Page. He may also be remembered for getting stranded in a blizzard on a snowmobile trip that left one person frozen to death as a result (a trip where Jim also had driven his snowmobile off a cliff)-- he started a campfire to keep warm with others by burning his own money. A couple of other mishap stories are attributed to him as well -accidentally shooting himself while cleaning his gun and still playing that week; breaking an arm and leg hang-gliding into a pole; and having a boat dock give way and tossing him into the water with a broken leg-- these last two after he retired.

I grew up watching this guy play every Viking game I ever saw through my sophomore year in college, and at a dozen or so training camps in Mankato. You will be missed, big Jim.
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Jim Marshall
 

Todd- Good write up. In the infamous “wrong way” game, it often gets lost that Jim M. was instrumental in another turnover that led the Vikings to a win. Incredible longevity, should be HOFer. Rest In Peace. Trent King

Great thread.

Marshall's 130.5 sacks are good for 22nd all-time (when we include the pre -1982 unofficial figures). Hall of Fame deserving for sure.

RIP

The Purple People Eaters were great.

Yes, what adds to the weirdness is that he forced a fumble returned by Eller for a TD that very same quarter (recovered another also) so you'd think he was well aware of which end was which. Also odd about the play (I just watched it) was that it was a pass completed to halfback/fumbler Billy Kilmer, who us oldsters recall would end up being a Super Bowl quarterback.

I believe he is also second all-time for fumbles recovered by a defensive player. I'm biased but believe he's a HOFer also-- just a quiet, steady workhorse who didn't have the flare of Page or Eller and who probably got short-shrifted a little by those who think two purple people eaters are enough in Canton.