The Minnesota Vikings lost an important piece of their history when defensive lineman Jim Marshall passed away earlier this year. A key part of the Purple People Eaters defense, he passed away at the age of 87 and left behind a legacy.
Not only did Marshall help lead the Vikings during one of their most prosperous times as a franchise, but he was a leader in the community who worked hard to try to better the lives of those struggling to get by.
Minnesota Vikings to wear helmet decal to honor Jim Marshall in 2025
Of course, his legacy will live on through his contributions to the Minnesota Vikings, the NFL, and social causes, but the team has announced that it will honor the fallen defender during the 2025 NFL season.
While addressing the media on Wednesday, Vikings owner/president Mark Wilf told reporters that the team will wear a decal on their helmets during the season to honor the former Purple People Eaters legend.
In addition to the decal, Wilf says they are working on ways to honor him and his family during Legends Weekend, which will be held during Week 3 when Minnesota hosts the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium
The details about Legends Weekend have not been revealed, but honoring Jim Marshall that way is a huge way to celebrate the defensive iron man's life and his time with the Vikings, as well as raise some fan awareness about his importance to the team and legacy.
Mashall played with the purple and gold from the inaugural season in 1961 through the 1079 season. He started 270 consecutive games for Minnesota on his way to accumulating 130.5 sacks, three All-Pro Second-Team honors, and having his No. 70 jersey retired by the Vikings.
Although it is an exciting time to look ahead to the future of the team, celebrating the past is important as well. That era of football was great for the purple and gold, as they won the 1969 NFL Championship and played in four Super Bowls during Marshall's time with the franchise.
Keep an eye out for Week 3 of the regular season to see how the Vikings plan to honor their legends during Legends Weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and be sure to check out the helmet decals that will honor Marshall during the 2025 NFL season.