We talked about the star and the muscle of the “Purple People Eaters” (Alan Page and Carl Eller), but it was Jim Marshall who was the “heart” of the unit.
Marshall signed on with the expansion Vikings and played and started 270 consecutive games, an NFL record at the time. Marshall was not just playing in these games, as he was an active contributor netting 127 (unofficial) Quarterback Sacks, second all time for the Vikings. He also recovered 30 Fumbles (29 with Minnesota), also an NFL record at the time of his retirement, although he is most remembered for the one he returned the wrong way!
The Vikings retired his number 70 and enshrined him into their Ring of Honor in 1999.
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