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Jim Marshall, NFL Ironman and Vikings’ Purple People Eater, Dies at 87

Marshall held the NFL record for 270 consecutive starts, anchoring Minnesota’s defense in four Super Bowl games.

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Overview

  • The Vikings announced his passing on June 3 at age 87 following a lengthy hospitalization on behalf of his wife, Susan.
  • Marshall joined Minnesota after a 1961 trade from the Cleveland Browns and remained a fixture on the team for 19 seasons.
  • His streak of 270 consecutive starts set an NFL record for a defensive player and stood until Brett Favre surpassed it in 2010.
  • As a two-time Pro Bowler and key member of the Purple People Eaters, he unofficially totaled 130.5 sacks and 29 fumble recoveries.
  • The Vikings retired his No. 70 jersey and inducted him into the Ring of Honor, though he never earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.