Jim Marshall, a retired defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings who held the NFL record for decades for the most games played in a row, passed away Tuesday at 87 after being hospitalized for a substantial amount of time, the franchise announced.
In 1961, Marshall suited up for the Vikings for their inaugural season, going on to play in each and every game after the fact. Playing in 282 consecutive contests, with 270 of them being in Minnesota, that record lasted all the way to 2009 until legendary quarterback Brett Favre broke it. At the time, Favre was also a Viking. Marshall originally set the record before his retirement in 1979. (RELATED: Professional Wrestling Legend Sabu Dead At 60)
“I told him I admired his career and was really happy that he was the one that is breaking that record,” said Marshall while at an ’09 Minnesota practice to issue a congratulations to Favre, per ESPN.
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
Marshall also holds a piece of NFL Films history after he made a fumble recovery and returned it the wrong way in a 1964 game taking on the San Francisco 49ers, which saw him celebrate thinking he just scored a touchdown. It was in fact a safety, but his status as one of the greats in Vikings history far exceeds the gaffe.
For 14 seasons, Marshall was a captain for Minnesota, making an appearance in four Super Bowls as a member of the renowned Purple People Eaters defense. He’s credited with having 130.5 career sacks, despite it not being a stat until 1982, which ties him for the 22nd most in NFL history. Those figures are from a research project that was overseen by Pro Football Reference.
“The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning the loss of Jim Marshall. No player in Vikings history lived the ideals of toughness, camaraderie and passion more than the all-time iron man,” said Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf and the Wilf family ownership group in an official statement.
“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.”
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
