Minnesota Vikings mourn the loss of Purple People Eater legend Jim Marshall

This is a tough one for many reasons. Marshall is one of the best Vikings players of all time. He is in the Ring of Honor and his number 70 is retired by the franchise. He started an NFL record 270 games for a non-quarterback and was one of the better sack artists of the day. He was a dominant force on the same line of Hall of Famers Alan Page and Carl Eller.

The Vikings didn't draft Marshall, but they did trade for him ahead of their inaugural 1961 season, as the Cleveland Browns selected him in the fourth round of the 1960 NFL Draft.

The dominance for Marshall was one that flew under the radar because of his teammates, Eller and Page. He only made two Pro Bowls in his career, but had an estimated 130.5 sacks, which has him tied for 22nd in career regular season sacks. His play was excellent, but he will forever be known for the one play that didn't go his way.

Marshall recovered a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers and returned it the wrong way. It resulted in a safety, and it was one of the main reasons that he didn't end up in the Hall of Fame.

What Marshall did for the Vikings was great both on and off the field. He was a legend in both areas and will forever be missed. 

Rest in peace, Jim. Thank you for everything.