Jim Marshall, the former defensive end for the Vikings and a member of the legendary ‘Purple People Eaters,’ has passed away at the age of 87.

EAGAN, Minn. — Jim Marshall, a former defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings and one of the key figures in the renowned Purple People Eaters lineup that supported four Super Bowl teams, passed away on Tuesday following an extended hospitalization due to an undisclosed illness. He was 87 years old.

The Vikings confirmed Marshall’s passing through a statement from his wife, Susan. A Kentucky native, Marshall played at Ohio State and was selected in the 1960 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He spent 19 of his 20 NFL seasons with the Vikings. The two-time Pro Bowl selection established a league record for players in his position with 282 straight regular-season games played, a record that stood until quarterback Brett Favre broke it while playing for the Vikings in 2010.

“No player in the history of the Vikings embodied the values of toughness, teamwork, and passion more than the legendary iron man,” stated Vikings owners Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf in a message shared by the team. “As a foundational figure of the franchise from its inception, Captain Jim’s exceptional durability and humble leadership garnered the admiration of both teammates and adversaries throughout his 20-year career. Jim led through his actions, and there was no better model for others to emulate. His influence on the Vikings was felt long after his time on the field ended. Jim will forever be remembered as an outstanding player and individual. Our thoughts are with his wife, Susan, and all of Jim’s family and friends.”

While the NFL did not begin officially recording sacks until 1982, Pro Football Reference has recently finished a historical compilation of this key pass-rushing statistic, attributing 130½ sacks to Marshall, which places him tied for 22nd on the all-time list. Two other members of the Purple People Eaters, Alan Page (148½) and Carl Eller (133½), rank higher than him, with Page positioned eighth and Eller tied for 18th.

Marshall continues to hold the NFL career record for opponent fumbles recovered, currently tied with Jason Taylor at 29. One of those notable instances occurred on October 25, 1964, in San Francisco when the Vikings caused 49ers running back Billy Kilmer to fumble, and Marshall picked it up and ran 66 yards into the end zone — in the opposite direction.

After throwing the ball into the air and turning to celebrate a touchdown with his teammates, Marshall halted in astonishment, placing his hands on his hips when he realized he had cost his team a safety. The Vikings ultimately triumphed 27-22.

“It required a lot of courage for me to return to the field, as I took football very seriously and had made perhaps the biggest mistake possible,” Marshall once stated in an interview with NFL Films for a feature on the NFL’s worst plays.

Marshall accepted the blunder with grace, a poise made easier due to his standing on the team and in the league. A long-time favorite of tough-minded head coach Bud Grant, Marshall continued playing through the 1979 season, with his last game occurring two weeks before he turned 42.

“Perhaps we’ve overlooked the fact that Jim Marshall competes through injuries,” Grant stated after Marshall revealed his retirement. “But being durable is the most crucial trait you can possess. You cannot reach greatness without durability, and Jim Marshall embodies that. He has faced injuries. However, he doesn’t crumble. He flexes. He recovers. He possesses a high tolerance for pain. Jim not only plays while injured, but he also performs at the same level whether he’s hurt or not. That’s what truly matters.”

In 2009, after Favre surpassed Marshall’s record of 270 consecutive regular-season games started, the Vikings invited Marshall to their practice facility to address the players. During a press interview at that time, he was asked how he felt about a quarterback surpassing his cherished record.

“He’s the one we were aiming to take down,” Marshall joked. “Every defensive lineman he faces wants to bring him down. That’s a hard way to make a living.”

Marshall’s resolve and stamina exacted a physical toll, similar to many of his contemporaries from a time when concerns about player safety and injury prevention were less prominent. In a 2017 interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune, Marshall shared the extensive list of surgeries he underwent after his career, including on his knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, back, neck, heart, eyes, and ears.

“I didn’t fully achieve everything I aimed for, but I certainly gave it my all,” Marshall reflected. “I made sacrifices. I put in my best effort.”