Vikings' Purple People Eater Jim Marshall, the 'all-time iron man,' dies at 87
The Vikings announced Marshall's death on behalf of his wife, Susan. The native of Kentucky, who played at Ohio State and was drafted in 1960 by the Cleveland Browns, played 19 of his 20 seasons in the NFL with Minnesota. The two-time Pro Bowl pick set a league record for position players with 282 consecutive regular-season games played, a mark held by Marshall until quarterback Brett Favre broke it, coincidentally, with the Vikings in 2010.
Marshall began his professional football career in the Canadian Football League, playing the 1959 season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before moving to the NFL a year later.
"No player in Vikings history lived the ideals of toughness, camaraderie and passion more than the all-time iron man," Vikings owners Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf said in a statement distributed by the team. "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 there was no finer example for others to follow. His impact on the Vikings was felt long after he left the field. Jim will always be remembered as a tremendous player and person. Our hearts are with his wife, Susan, and all of Jim's loved ones."
Though sacks weren't officially tracked by the NFL until 1982, Pro Football Reference recently completed a retroactive compilation of the primary pass-rushing statistic and credited Marshall with 130 1/2 sacks, which is tied for 22nd all-time. Two other Purple People Eaters rank ahead of him: Alan Page (148 1/2) is eighth, and Carl Eller (133 1/2) is tied for 18th.
Marshall remains the NFL career record-holder, now tied with Jason Taylor, for opponent fumbles recovered with 29. One of those infamously came on Oct. 25, 1964, at San Francisco when, after the Vikings forced 49ers running back Billy Kilmer to cough up the ball, Marshall scooped it up and scampered 66 yards into the end zone — the wrong way.
After he tossed the ball in the air and turned toward the touchdown celebration with his teammates he was expecting, Marshall stopped in his tracks and put his hands on his hips in disbelief upon realizing he'd cost his team a safety. The Vikings went on to win 27-22.
"It took a lot of guts for me to go back on that field, because I took football very seriously and I had made the biggest mistake that you could probably make," Marshall once said in an interview with NFL Films for a segment on the NFL's worst plays.
Marshall took the gaffe in stride, a graciousness made easier by his stature on the team and within the league. Long a favourite of hard-nosed head coach Bud Grant, Marshall played through the 1979 season, his final game coming two weeks before his 42nd birthday.
"Maybe we've taken it for granted that Jim Marshall plays hurt," Grant said after Marshall announced his retirement. "But durability is the most important ability you have. You can't achieve greatness without durability, and that is personified in Jim Marshall. He has been hurt. But he doesn't break. He bends. He heals. He has a high pain threshold. Jim not only plays hurt, he plays as well when he's hurt as when he isn't. That's what's important."
After Favre broke Marshall's record of 270 consecutive regular-season games started in 2009, the Vikings invited Marshall to their practice facility to speak to the players. He was asked then in an interview session with reporters what he thought about a quarterback overtaking his prized mark.
"He's the guy we were trying to hurt," Marshall said with a laugh. "Every defensive lineman that he plays against is trying to hurt him. That's a tough way to earn a living."
Marshall's determination and longevity took its physical toll, like many of his peers from an era when player safety and injury prevention were minimal. In an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2017, Marshall recounted his long list of post-career surgeries on his knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, back, neck, heart, eyes and ears.
"I didn't quite accomplish all the things I wanted to, but I sure tried," Marshall said. "I sacrificed. I gave it my best shot."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
11 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
49ers' kicker competition between Moody and Joseph draws attention from team stars
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The kicking portion of an NFL training camp practice is often a time when established players take a break or work on something else. That's not necessarily the case this summer for the San Francisco 49ers where the competition between incumbent kicker Jake Moody and offseason acquisition Greg Joseph is catching the attention of even the team's biggest stars. 'I actually have been paying attention to it. I can't lie,' defensive end Nick Bosa said. 'It's kind of exciting.' That's just the kind of focus new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer wants on his kickers as he tries to create as much of a high-stakes environment for his kickers on the practice field to determine who he can trust most once the season starts. 'I think it's cool that everybody's watching and it puts that added pressure on and stuff like that,' Boyer said. 'Because that's where you're going to find out who has the upper leg or not.' Boyer has had both kickers alternate kicks from the exact same spot on the field in camp, to make sure both are getting their opportunities in the same conditions and to put pressure on each. Both kickers had performed well throughout the offseason and the start of camp before hitting a but of a rough patch on Friday when Joseph missed two of his four attempts and Moody missed one. Moody is trying to bounce back from a rough second season in the NFL when he struggled mightily in the second half of the 2024 campaign after coming back from an ankle injury. Moody made some changes to his approach this offseason, going from taking three steps on his approach to just two. He made the change after consulting with his kicking coach and some veteran kickers after seeing on film that his third step had been inconsistent and could have contributed to the inaccuracy. 'What that did, at least in my mind, was keep everything kind of shorter and more consistent as far as less variables of having a third jab step is what I would call it,' he said. 'So just kind of taking that out gets me to the ball a little quicker.' Moody said the new approach might cost him a yard or two in length but should make him more consistent and become the kicker the Niners thought they had when they drafted him in the third round in 2023. Moody had an up-and-down rookie season, making 21 of 25 field goals in the regular season and missing only one extra point. But he missed a potential game-winning kick in a loss at Cleveland and missed field goals in playoff wins against Green Bay and Detroit. Moody then made three field goals in the Super Bowl with two coming from more than 50 yards, but also had an extra point blocked in that game. Moody got off to a strong start last season, making all six field goals he attempted in the season opener and going 13 for 14 before injuring his ankle while attempting to make a tackle on a kickoff return in Week 5. He missed three games and then went 5 for 14 on attempts from at least 40 yards in the final nine games. 'I seen a guy that lost his confidence a little bit, but I also seen a guy that was injured half the year,' Boyer said. 'He's a super-talented kid, and I think that he's just got to get his stinger back so to speak. And Greg is putting all the pressure on him that he can.' Moody said his confidence isn't an issue and that he is using last season as a learning experience that gave him a chip on his shoulder. He said he is going through camp focused on his process more than results and is confident he can get back to being the consistent kicker he knows he can be. 'I want to prove to myself that I deserve to be here, and that I belong,' Moody said. 'It doesn't have anything to do with last year or other people or anything. Just kind of changed my mindset to just focusing on the now, and doing whatever I can do in the moment to help myself best make kicks.' Brock Purdy's day off Brock Purdy missed practice Friday for what the team described as personal reasons. Purdy is expected back at San Francisco's next session Sunday. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. With Purdy out, Mac Jones and Tanner Mordecai split all the reps. Renardo Green leaves injured Second-year cornerback Renardo Green had a strong practice with a few pass breakups before he came up limping late in the session with what appeared to be a sore hamstring. ___ AP NFL:
Globe and Mail
11 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline Insight 2025: 75+ Companies Accelerating Innovation Across Genetic and Neuroinflammatory Targets
The ALS pipeline is gaining momentum, with over 75 companies advancing R&D across key targets like SOD1 mutations, TDP-43, C9orf72 expansions, and neuroinflammation. Approaches include ASOs, gene therapies, mitochondrial modulators, neuroprotective agents, and immune biologics. A major milestone was the FDA's 2023 accelerated approval of Biogen and Ionis's Tofersen for SOD1-ALS. DelveInsight's ' Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – Pipeline Insight, 2025 ' offers a detailed analysis of the evolving therapeutic landscape for ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. With most patients succumbing to the disease within 3–5 years of symptom onset, there remains a critical unmet need for effective disease-modifying treatments. Several late-stage candidates are progressing through global Phase II/III studies, including Amylyx's AMX0035, which received full FDA approval in September 2022 as RELYVRIO, and is now being evaluated in confirmatory trials. Additionally, investigational programs from companies like Clene Nanomedicine, QurAlis, Wave Life Sciences, and BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics are advancing promising assets in both sporadic and familial ALS subpopulations, often with orphan drug or fast-track designations. The regulatory landscape continues to support innovation in ALS with flexible pathways and growing biomarker guidance, including neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels, digital endpoints, and functional scores. Patient advocacy, real-world evidence generation, and adaptive trial designs are also helping de-risk development strategies and accelerate access. As 2025 unfolds, the ALS pipeline reflects a shift from symptomatic care to precision medicine and disease modification, driven by robust collaboration among academia, biotech, regulatory bodies, and patient communities. With over 80 therapies in the pipeline, the future of ALS treatment is poised for transformative change. Key Takeaways from the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline Report • DelveInsight's amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pipeline analysis depicts a strong space with 75+ active players working to develop 80+ pipeline drugs for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment. • The leading amyotrophic lateral sclerosis companies include Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 1ST Biotherapeutics, Scholar Rock, Revalesio, QurAlis Corporation, Sanofi, MediciNova, Helixmith, Verge Genomics, UCB, and others are evaluating their lead assets to improve the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment landscape. • Key amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pipeline therapies in various stages of development include ION363, FB418, SRK-015, RNS60, QRL-201, SAR443820, MN-166, VM202, VRG-50635, Zilucoplan, and others. • In July 2025, Neurizon Therapeutics submitted a formal response to the FDA addressing the clinical hold on its IND application for NUZ-001, its lead ALS therapy. • In July 2025, Klotho Neurosciences received FDA Orphan Drug Designation for KLTO-202 ( its novel gene therapy targeting ALS. • In June 2025, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMLX) announced that the FDA granted Fast Track designation to AMX0114, an investigational antisense oligonucleotide targeting calpain-2 for treating ALS. • In May 2025, BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI) announced FDA clearance to begin its Phase IIIb trial of NurOwn® for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). • In May 2025, Neuralink announced that it received the FDA's " breakthrough" designation for its device aimed at restoring communication for individuals with severe speech impairment. The device, designed to assist patients with conditions like ALS, stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, represents a significant step forward in neurotechnology. • In March 2025, DiagnaMed Holdings Corp. announced a significant milestone in rare disease research, receiving Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the FDA for molecular hydrogen in the treatment of ALS. • In January 2025, the FDA granted approval for Zydus Lifesciences to proceed with a randomized Phase IIb trial of its oral NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, Usnoflast, for the treatment of ALS. Request a sample and discover the recent breakthroughs happening in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pipeline landscape. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Overview Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to the loss of muscle control, eventually impacting the ability to speak, move, eat, and breathe. ALS is often classified into sporadic (the most common form) and familial types, with the latter being linked to genetic mutations. Although the exact cause of ALS is unknown in most cases, environmental and genetic factors are believed to contribute to its development. Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but several treatment options aim to slow disease progression and manage symptoms. FDA-approved drugs like riluzole and edaravone offer modest benefits in extending survival or preserving function. Ongoing research is focused on gene therapies, neuroprotective agents, and immune-targeting approaches to better address the underlying mechanisms of the disease and improve patient outcomes. Find out more about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis medication at Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment Analysis: Drug Profile MN-166: MediciNova MN-166 is an orally administered small molecule glial attenuator that reduces neuroinflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, while potentially increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. It also functions as a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist, contributing further to its anti-inflammatory effects. MN-166 is currently in Phase II/III clinical trials for the treatment of ALS. RNS60: Revalesio RNS60 is designed to offer disease-modifying and potentially regenerative effects in neurological disorders. It works by activating signaling pathways that enhance mitochondrial function and reduce inflammation, offering neuroprotection and immune modulation. The FDA has granted RNS60 both Orphan Drug and Fast Track status for ALS. It is currently in Phase II clinical trials. VM202: Helixmith VM202 is a gene therapy aimed at tissue regeneration by promoting the production of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) at the site of injection along peripheral nerves. HGF supports nerve protection, neuron growth, and muscle atrophy prevention. The FDA has granted VM202 Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations. It is being evaluated in Phase II trials for ALS treatment. Learn more about the novel and emerging amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pipeline therapies. By Product Type • Mono • Combination • Mono/Combination. By Stage • Late-stage products (Phase III) • Mid-stage products (Phase II) • Early-stage product (Phase I) along with the details of • Pre-clinical and Discovery stage candidates • Discontinued & Inactive candidates By Route of Administration • Intravenous • Subcutaneous • Oral • Intramuscular By Molecule Type • Monoclonal antibody • Small molecule • Peptide Scope of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline Report • Coverage: Global • Key Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Companies: Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 1ST Biotherapeutics, Scholar Rock, Revalesio, QurAlis Corporation, Sanofi, MediciNova, Helixmith, Verge Genomics, UCB, and others. • Key Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline Therapies: ION363, FB418, SRK-015, RNS60, QRL-201, SAR443820, MN-166, VM202, VRG-50635, Zilucoplan, and others. Explore detailed insights on drugs used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis here. Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline: Overview 4. Analytical Perspective In-depth Commercial Assessment 5. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline Therapeutics 6. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline: Late-Stage Products (Phase III) 7. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline: Mid-Stage Products (Phase II) 8. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pipeline: Early Stage Products (Phase I) 9. Therapeutic Assessment 10. Inactive Products 11. Company-University Collaborations (Licensing/Partnering) Analysis 12. Key Companies 13. Key Products 14. Unmet Needs 15. Market Drivers and Barriers 16. Future Perspectives and Conclusion 17. Analyst Views 18. Appendix About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports Pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform, PharmDelve. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Contact Person: Jatin Vimal Email: Send Email Phone: +14699457679 Address: 304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: Nevada Country: United States Website:
CTV News
11 minutes ago
- CTV News
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba suspended after skipping MLS All-Star Game
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi (right) and teammate Jordi Alba (left) enter the pitch during an MLS match against FC Cincinnati on July 16. MLS announced on July 25 that Messi and Alba will be suspended for the team's next game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. (via CNN Newsource) Major League Soccer announced Friday that Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will be suspended for the team's next match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. The suspension comes after Messi and Alba skipped the MLS All-Star Game without permission earlier this week in Austin, Texas. 'Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match,' MLS said in a statement. Neither of the two players have responded publicly to the suspensions but the ruling drew the ire of club owner Jorge Mas, who called it a 'draconian' punishment. 'They don't understand the decision,' Mas said on Friday according to the Associated Press. 'They don't understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension. 'That's not right,' Mas added. 'That's not right to the players.' The 38-year-old Messi and 36-year-old Alba have both played a heavy slate of matches this season, competing in MLS play as well as the FIFA Club World Cup and other competitions. Messi also played this summer for his native Argentina in pair of friendlies. 'I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don't think there's a player – or anyone – who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi,' MLS commissioner Don Garber wrote in a statement following the league's announcement of the suspensions. 'I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision. 'Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.' Garber concluded by saying that league will work with the MLS players to take a 'hard look' at the policy moving forward. An already stout test for Inter this weekend now becomes even more daunting as the team, which sits in the middle of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, will compete without their centerpiece Messi as they face conference-leading Cincinnati. Messi and Alba will be eligible to return to the pitch on Wednesday when Inter takes on Atlas as the club begins its Leagues Cup campaign. Miami's next MLS match is scheduled for August 10 when the club will take on intrastate rival Orlando City SC.
