Vikings legendary defender could be closer to Hall of Fame nod

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall is one of 25 players to be named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023.

From 1969 to 1976, a ferocious defensive line known as the “Purple People Eaters” played a large role in the Minnesota Vikings playing in a total of four Super Bowls. This legendary Vikings defensive line consisted of Carl Eller, Alan Page, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen.

Since their careers in Minnesota have come to a close, Page and Eller have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, the post-NFL careers for Marshall and Larsen have not included any bronze busts of their own in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

However, Marshall is someone that many Vikings fans believe is deserving of getting a spot in the Hall of Fame. On Thursday, that became more of a realistic possibility for the former Minnesota defensive end.

Former Minnesota Vikings DE Jim Marshall is a 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist

Since he wasn’t selected for the Hall of Fame during his initial eligibility period, Marshall can now be voted in as a senior inductee. On Thursday, that possibility remained alive as the former Vikings defender was among 25 senior players named as semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023.

The list of semifinalists will be trimmed down to 12 players by July 27 and then on August 16, up to three of the 12 senior finalists will be selected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class.

Marshall spent 19 seasons with Minnesota and his 270 games started in a row is still the most by a defensive player in NFL history. He finished his career with the Vikings with 128 sacks.

Will this be the year where we finally see Marshall join Eller and Page in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?