EAGAN, Minn. — Longtime Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall, who for decades held the NFL record for most consecutive games played, died Tuesday after a long hospitalization, according to the team.
Marshall joined the Vikings in their inaugural season in 1961 and played in every game thereafter.
His record of 282 consecutive games played (270 with the Vikings), which he established upon retiring in 1979, stood until quarterback Brett Favre broke it — while also in a Vikings uniform — in 2009.
Marshall remains the NFL career record-holder, now tied with Jason Taylor, for opponent fumbles recovered with 29.
“The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning the loss of Jim Marshall.
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday that longtime defensive end Jim Marshall, who for decades held the NFL record for the most consecutive games played, passed away following a protracted hospital stay. He was eighty-seven.
Marshall participated in every game after joining the Vikings in their first season in 1961. After retiring in 1979, he set a record of 282 straight games played (270 with the Vikings), which remained in place until 2009, when quarterback Brett Favre broke it while wearing a Vikings uniform as well.
Marshall congratulated Favre at a Vikings practice that season, saying at the time: “I told him I admired his career and was really happy that he was the one that is breaking that record.”. “,”.
When Marshall returned a fumble the wrong way during a game against the San Francisco 49ers in 1964, he cemented his place in NFL Films history by celebrating what he believed to be a touchdown but was actually a safety. However, his professional achievements greatly outweighed that slip-up.
With 29, Marshall still holds the NFL career record for opponent fumbles recovered, tied with Jason Taylor.
He captained the Vikings for 14 seasons and played in four Super Bowls as a member of the renowned Purple People Eaters defense. Pro Football Reference organized a study that gave him 130 points, which would tie him for No. 1 even though sacks weren’t officially measured until 1982. The number 22 in NFL history. He is ranked below two other Purple People Eaters: Carl Eller (133.5) is tied for 18th place, and Alan Page (148.5) is ranked eighth.
“Jim Marshall’s passing has left the entire Minnesota Vikings organization in mourning. According to a statement from Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf, “no player in Vikings history lived the ideals of toughness, camaraderie, and passion more than the all-time iron man.”.
Captain Jim was a pillar of the team from the start, and during his 20-year career, both teammates and rivals respected him for his unwavering toughness and quiet leadership. Jim set an excellent example for others to follow. The Vikings were impacted by him long after he was off the field. Jim will always be regarded as an amazing individual and player. Susan, his wife, and all of Jim’s loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. “,”.
This report was aided by the Associated Press.
