Vikings legend Jim Marshall dies at 87 | He Started 270 consecutive games
Jim Marshall, one of the most iconic figures in Minnesota Vikings history, has passed away at the age of 87.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Marshall was traded to the newly formed Minnesota Vikings in 1961. He would go on to spend the next 19 seasons in purple and gold, playing until just days before his 42nd birthday.
Marshall’s legendary durability saw him start 270 consecutive games for the Vikings—a record for any defensive player and the longest streak ever by a player with one franchise. Only quarterback Brett Favre, with 297, started more consecutive games in NFL history.
During his time in Minnesota, Marshall was a cornerstone of the team’s famed “Purple People Eaters” defensive line, lining up alongside Gary Larsen and Hall of Famers Alan Page and Carl Eller. He also played in all four of the Vikings’ Super Bowl appearances during the 1970s.
In recognition of his tremendous impact, the Vikings retired Marshall’s No. 70 jersey and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor. His legacy as a leader, ironman, and defensive force remains deeply woven into the fabric of the franchise.
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