Where’s the Next Jim Marshall?

Jan 11, 1970; New Orleans, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall (70) on the sideline against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl IV at Tulane Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Vikings 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports.

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings lost beloved legend and key cog of the Purple People Eaters, Jim Marshall. He was 87 years old and had spent a considerable amount of time in a state of health decline.

Minnesota Vikings legend Jim Marshall died on Tuesday, and there’s an opportunity for someone to follow in his footsteps.

The Ironman, who started 270 straight games for the Minnesota Vikings, was held in high regard because of his abilities on the field. He was also representative of an era when the franchise reached its peak and gained prominence on the national stage.

for Jim Marshall
Nov 11, 1974; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Cardinals running back Jim Otis (35) is pursued by Minnesota linebacker Wally Hilgenberg and defensive end Jim Marshall (70) at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

It’s great that Randy Moss was one of the best ever, but he bounced around to end his career and never reached the Super Bowl. Adrian Peterson has been disgraced even before he left the gridiron, and he has continued to do so after hanging them up. Maybe Justin Jefferson can be the next iteration, or maybe J.J. McCarthy will be the one to lead the Vikings to the promised land.

Right now, it would stand to reason that someone held in Marshall’s stratosphere looks like Kevin O’Connell. He is well on his way to being the second coming of Bud Grant, and that would be quite the parallel for a coach who got the best out of Marshall.

Jim Marshall Takes Step Towards Hall of Fame
Jim Marshall

Sports should solely be viewed through the scope of what takes place on the field. A human being reflecting a level of character beyond that is a feather in their cap. It remains to be seen if and when the Minnesota Vikings will reach the heights of their early years again. If and when they do, though, the tenured and talented members of the organization will have a unique opportunity to emulate someone like Marshall before them.

It should be expected that Marshall will be honored in some form or fashion this season. Maybe the Vikings can do something special with his namesake or memory, adorning their uniforms every time they take the field.

a Vikings Documentary
Oct 19, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota defensive line sits on the bench during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Seated on the bench are (left to right) #76 Paul Dickson, #70 Jim Marshall, #77 Gary Larsen, #88 Alan Page, #81 Carl Eller and defensive back #45 Ed Sharockman. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports.

Who knows which member of this current team could be walking in his future footsteps?


Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.