A legend of football and a Buckeye great passed away on Tuesday.
Former defensive end Jim Marshall, known as the NFL's Ironman and one of the famed Purple People Eaters for the Minnesota Vikings, died at the age of 87 on Tuesday after a long hospitalization.
"The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning the loss of Jim Marshall," Vikings owner Mark Wilf and their 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. 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."
The #Vikings family mourns the loss of Legend Jim Marshall.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 3, 2025
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
A member of Ohio State's 1957 national championship team, Marshall was named second-team All-Big Ten in both 1957 and 1958 and a third-team All-American in 1958.
Marshall's 270 consecutive starts stood as the league record for more than 30 years before it was broken by quarterback Brett Favre in 2008. A two-time Pro Bowler, Marshall racked up an unofficial 130.5 sacks during his 20-year career, the final 19 of which were with the Vikings after the Cleveland Browns traded him following his rookie year.
It was a decision Browns brass likely regretted. Marshall won the 1969 NFL Championship and made four Super Bowl appearances with the Vikings, though the Purple and Gold came up short in each game. Two Hall of Famers joined him on the famed Purple People Eaters defensive line, Alan Page and Carl Eller, but the 14-time captain Marshall was their anchor. He's in Minnesota's Ring of Honor. And his No. 70 jersey is retired by the organization.
Off the field, Marshall and former teammate Oscar Reed founded The Link, a charity that supports homeless youth, youth victimized by sex trafficking and youth in the juvenile justice system. The Link provides support to more than 2,000 Minnesota families each year.
