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Jim Marshall, Ironman of VikingsPurple People Eaters, Dies at 87

The cornerstone of Minnesota’s vaunted Purple People Eaters defense died after a lengthy hospitalization

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Overview

  • The Vikings announced on June 3, 2025, that Marshall passed away at age 87 following a prolonged hospital stay
  • Marshall started 270 consecutive regular-season games for Minnesota between 1961 and 1979, a record for NFL defensive players
  • He anchored the Purple People Eaters front, served as team captain for 14 seasons and appeared in four Super Bowls
  • His career highlights include an infamous 1964 wrong-way fumble return, an estimated 130.5 sacks and a NFL-leading 30 fumble recoveries
  • The franchise retired his No. 70 jersey and inducted him into its Ring of Honor, though he was never enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame