byCraig Peters&Lindsey Young

EAGAN, Minn.The legacy of Jim Marshall will live on forever.

While writing this intro, it feels surreal that Marshall, a true iron man who started 270 consecutive games for the Minnesota Vikings, haspassed away at the age of 87.

Known to many who played alongside him as just "The Captain," Marshall symbolized invincibility to teammates, coaches, fans and opponents. He combined joy on and off the field with a generous and enduring spirit.

Vikings Legends who teamed with Marshall and those who shared in the identity he helped create for the franchise reacted to the news.

Carl Eller

"Jim Marshall is not dead. He is alive in my heart and in my soul, and he will always be my friend. He was inspirational to our team. Every week, he was ready to go. That's what everybody looked for and waited for. And sometimes, just a minute before a game, he would show up and say, 'Let's go, let's do it.' I love Jim Marshall."

Eller played on the opposite end of the Purple People Eaters from Marshall, teaming together from 1964-78.

Fran Tarkenton

"There's no question Jim Marshall was the most important player in the history of Minnesota Vikings football. He set the standard of what a Minnesota Vikings player should be. He is the poster guy for every Vikings player since 1961. He never missed a practice or a game in 19 years with the Vikings. It's a shame he's not in the Hall of Fame because he is a Hall of Famer. They should have a great big statue of Jim Marshall at the Vikings stadium. He was one of the greatest human beings that ever lived."

Tarkenton teamed with Marshall in the franchise's fledgling days (1961-66) and again in some of the most glorious days (1972-78).

John Randle

Vikings Legend John Randle shared a photo of himself and Marshall together at U.S. Bank Stadium and noted the personal impact Marshall made.

Kevin O'Connell

"In a franchise flush with Hall of Famers and all-time greats, Jim Marshall stands out as the greatest captain in the history of the Minnesota Vikings. Jim's legacy will forever serve as a role model for our players, as his commitment to the organization and his teammates was second to none. He was a 14-time captain, and nobody led a team like Jim did. He is the example that we have our captains strive to emulate, and there is no better model than Jim Marshall one of the best defensive players in NFL history. Our hearts go out to Jim's family, and we will always honor him as a Vikings Legend."

O'Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah supported the installation of the Jim Marshall Vikings Captains Legacy display at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in 2024.

Vikings Ownership

"The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning the loss of Jim Marshall. 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."

Owner/President Mark Wilf, Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and the Wilf family ownership group

Social Media Posts

Vikings Legend Pete Bercich called Marshall "one of a kind," and fellow Legend Robert Smith shared an iconic photo of The Captain on a snowy game day.

Additional tributes poured in from friends, journalists and fans across the country. The deep respect is undeniable.

Chad Hartman, whose late father Sid covered Marshall during his playing and post-playing years in Minnesota, wrotethe followingon X:

"The true leader of the players, loved by his teammates, respected by his peers, amazing career, high-quality human being, larger-than-life persona. Only my best to his family."

Legendary Minnesota sportscaster Mark Rosen reflected on his decades-long friendship with Marshall, and the recently retired Randy Shaver shared similar sentiments: