Minnesota Vikings great Jim Marshall, an ironman who started 270 consecutive games and played 20 seasons, died Tuesday. He was 87.

A defensive lineman on the legendary "Purple People Eaters" front four, Marshall holds the NFL record for most seasons played by a defender. He started 270 consecutive games for the Vikings from 1961-79.

"The entire Minnesota Vikings organization is mourning the loss of Jim Marshall," the Vikings said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "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 ther

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