Vikings reveal powerful helmet sticker that carries Jim Marshall’s legacy

The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the loss of an all-time franchise great this year in Jim Marshall, their Ironman defensive end, who passed away at the age of 87 in June.

Minnesota celebrated its 14-time captain during Thursday’s training camp practice — while also giving fans a first look at the sticker Vikings players will wear on their helmets this season:

During a recent press conference, Vikings owner Mark Wilf called Marshall "the greatest captain in NFL history."

"No player in this team's history lived the ideals of toughness, camaraderie, passion and leadership more than Jim," Wilf said. "He was a quiet but effective leader."

The Vikings inducted Marshall into their Ring of Honor in 1999 and retired his No. 70 jersey shortly after his retirement in 1979. Wilf also announced plans to recognize Marshall during the team's Legends Weekend in September, when they host the Cincinnati Bengals.

Next, Minnesota Vikings legend Jim Marshall should get his invite to Canton

Unfortunately for Marshall and his family, he was never inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during his lifetime. That’s a shame for a true NFL warrior whose NFL record of 282 consecutive games (270 of those with the Vikings) stood until 2009, when the Vikings’ own Brett Favre broke the mark.

Marshall was always around the football as one of Minnesota’s famous Purple People Eaters on defense. According to an ESPN report, he remains the NFL’s all-time leader in opponent fumble recoveries with 29, and he’s estimated to have more than 130 sacks, according to research conducted by Pro Football Reference.

For now, the Vikings Ring of Honor will have to suffice, but Marshall’s family could get his Hall call soon. He was omitted as one of 31 senior semifinalists in 2024. Frankly, it's a small crime that Marshall never got his invite to Canton.