Vikings legend Jim Marshall has died at the age of 87, the team has announced.
The former defensive end passed away following a ‘lengthy hospitalization,’ according to the franchise.
Marshall, a 1969 NFL champion with the team, played in Minnesota for 19 years and served as team captain for 14 consecutive seasons as part of the team’s vaunted ‘Purple People Eaters; defensive line.
Known as ‘The Captain,’ he also appeared in four Super Bowls, made two Pro Bowls, and is in the team’s Ring of Honor.
‘The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning the loss of Jim Marshall,’ the team’s Wilf family ownership group said in a statement.
‘No player in Vikings history lived the ideals of toughness, camaraderie and passion more than the all-time iron man. 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.
Vikings legend Jim Marshall has died at the age of 87, the team announced on Tuesday
Marshall is seen on the bench during Super Bowl XI against the Raiders on January 9, 1977
He also sits 22nd all-time on the NFL’s unofficial sack list, with 130.5 sacks in 20 seasons
‘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.’
Marshall, who also played one season with the Browns, started a staggering 270 regular season games for Minnesota.
He is also 22nd all-time on the league’s unofficial sack-list as compiled by Pro Football Reference (sacks were not officially counted during his career), with 130.5 sacks.
After beginning his career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canada, Marshall was drafted in 1960 by the Browns in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
He then arrived in Minnesota a year later via trade, and established himself as a franchise icon between 1961 and 1979, when he hung up his cleats.
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