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21. Jim Marshall

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21.  Jim Marshall
Does longevity mean more than greatness?  We ask this question about Jim Marshall who had a solid twenty-year career but only made the Pro Bowl twice.

Jim Marshall was truly the model of consistency.  For nineteen of his twenty-year career, he patrolled the Minnesota Vikings defense in a time period that seemed to last forever.  Marshall set longevity records by setting the consecutive record for starts by a Defensive End and the most Fumbles recovered.  Although he was not a dominant player, he was very good as the NFL does not allow a player to last twenty years just for charitable reasons.  Marshall recovered 30 fumbles over his career, which is also a record for Defensive Ends.

Again, Jim Marshall was a great player for Minnesota, but without a dominating period, it is difficult to see how Marshall can get into the Hall of Fame.  With only one year as a finalist, it seems that the Hall committee thinks the same, especially considering he was not on the Centennial Slate FInalists.

Should Jim Marshall be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 90.6%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.3%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.7%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.5%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Danville, Kentucky, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 1985
  • Position: Defensive End
  • Games Played: 282
  • Notable Statistics: 1 Interception
    30 Interception Return Yards
    30 Fumble Recoveries
    50 Fumble Recovery Yards
    1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
    130.5 Quarterback Sacks*
    168 Approximate Value

    10 Playoff Games
    8.5 Quarterback Sacks

    *Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981.
  • Played For: Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings
  • College: Ohio State
  • Drafted: 4th Round, 44th Overall in 1960
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
    Second Team All-Pro (1) (1969)
    Pro Bowl Selections (2) (1968 & 1969)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (1969)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Recoveries (2) (1961 & 1963)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Return Yards (1) (1963)
    Top Ten Finishes: Quarterback Sacks (5) (1962, 1963, 1964, 1968 & 1969)

    *Quarterbacks Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981.
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 6.   Games Started: 270
    20. Games Played: 282
    22. Quarterback Sacks: 130.5* 
    28. Approximate Value: 168
    32. Fumble Recoveries: 30

    *Quarterbacks Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981, and this rank refelects all from 1960.
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Finalist: 2004

Should Jim Marshall be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 90.6%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.3%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.7%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.5%
Last modified on Saturday, 18 March 2023 17:00

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