When talking about the history and legacy of the Minnesota Vikings, it is impossible not to mention the Purple People Eaters. This defensive force terrorized opposing offenses for over a decade and are among the most respected players in franchise history.
The combination of Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen/Doug Sutherland had the motto "Meet at the Quarterback" for their ability to generate a pass rush while demolishing the offensive line across the line of scrimmage from them.
Page and Eller are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but there was always an argument for Marshall to join them. Sadly, the man they called "Captain Jim" has never received that recognition, but he still holds a place in the hearts of old-school Vikings fans.
Jim Marshall changed the Minnesota Vikings and the world
Jim Marshall gave his all to the Vikings and the NFL. Known as an iron man for his 270 consecutive regular-season starts, he was a valuable member of the defense under legendary former Minnesota head coach Bud Grant.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 248 pounds, Marshall played in the NFL for 20 seasons, all but one with the Vikings. His teammates and fans of the team understood his value to the franchise, but it never spread to a national level, as he was only named to the Pro Bowl twice.
A fourth-round pick in the 1960 NFL Draft, Marshall holds the No. 2 spot in Minnesota franchise history for sacks at 128 behind only fellow Purple People Eaters defender Eller, who racked up 130.5 in his purple and gold career.
His legacy on the field is well-documented, but what Marshall did after his retirement from the NFL is truly remarkable. He and his former teammate, Oscar Reed, created an organization called The Link that supported youth and families dealing with housing issues, sex trafficking, and the juvenile justice system.
Marshall was exactly what it meant to be a member of the Vikings. His commitment to greatness on the field and helping the community made him not only a great football player but a great human being.
The world lost a great man on Tuesday, as Marshall passed away at the age of 87. We at The Viking Age will mourn his passing and continue to look up to him for everything he's done for the Vikings and those in need.