4 most underappreciated players in Minnesota Vikings history

Jim Marshall – Defensive end

Though this is cheating a bit by reaching into the early days of the franchise, Jim Marshall is still relevant for this conversation. To this day, Marshall is considered one of the biggest Hall of Fame snubs of all time and his chances of reaching Canton do not seem to be improving as time passes.

Sacks were not an official stat until 1982 so Marshall does not have any official numbers to boost his total but the unofficial number sits at 130.5 career sacks, tied for 22nd in NFL history. 12 of the 21 players ahead of Marshall are already in the Hall of Fame and four others should hear their names called in the next few years.

The Vikings became known for their vaunted defenses in the 1960s and 1970s with Jim Marshall being a crucial member of those units. Most Vikings fans understand the impact that he had on the franchise, the NFL, and the game of football but he is not as well-known around the rest of the NFL apparently.

Marshall deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and his numbers do not lie. He spent 20 years in the NFL – 19 of which came in Minnesota – and recorded 130.5 sacks with 30 fumble recoveries to his credit.

He played until he was 42 years old and was tallying sacks up until his final season. It is remarkable to see that sort of longevity at a position that takes such a beating in the trenches.

We are once again pounding the table for Jim Marshall to be ushered into the Hall of Fame and earn the recognition that he deserves more than 40 years after his career ended.