Jim Marshall Dies at Age 87, Appeared in 4 Super Bowls over 19 Seasons with Vikings

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall died Tuesday at the age of 87.

"The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning the loss of Jim Marshall," Vikings owner Zygi Wilf 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. Our hearts are with his wife, Susan, and all of Jim's loved ones."

A two-time Pro Bowler, Marshall began his career with the Cleveland Browns and was traded to Minnesota in 1961. He remained with the Vikings for 19 seasons and went on to set a record for consecutive starts (270).

Marshall had the misfortune of his most memorable play being one of his worst. In a 1964 win over the San Francisco 49ers, he recovered a fumble and took it 60 yards the wrong way for a safety.

The play became a staple of NFL blooper videos and retrospectives for decades to come.

Former 49ers running back Billy Kilmer told the Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson in 2015 he tried to look on the bright side with Marshall when reminiscing about the sequence.

"I told him, 'You know, Jim, we're in the Hall of Fame every day,'" Kilmer said. "They play that sequence in the Hall of Fame. At least we made the Hall of Fame there."

Marshall's career was also so much more than that fumble return. He's unofficially credited with 130.5 career sacks, which are tied for the 22nd-most all-time. Pro Football Reference also ranks him third among Vikings players in approximate value.

In addition, Marshall played an integral role on the 1969 squad that beat the Browns in the NFL championship before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV.

The Vikings honored his contributions by retiring his No. 70 jersey, making him the only player to ever wear that number in franchise history.