Hall omission of Vikings’ Marshall is puzzling

By Krupka  |   Monday, August 07, 2006  |  Comments( 9 )

Minnesota Vikings
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When touring the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you'll notice something is missing. The bust of Jim Marshall, one of the all-time greatest defensive lineman, is missing.

Year after year, Marshall, a legendary Minnesota Vikings defensive end, is snubbed by the Hall's selection committee. How one of the greatest ends ever is deemed not up to snuff by the Hall voters is baffling to say the least.

When the football writers cast their ballots every year and trim down their lists to a select few to enshrine, the main things they look at are: dominance, consistency, longevity, leadership and Super Bowl rings. Looking at Marshall, he clearly demonstrated proficiency in each of the categories with the exception of the ever elusive Super Bowl titles.

First, let's take a look at the category of dominance. During Marshall's illustrious career he was a vital cog in arguably the best defensive line ever assembled. Aside from being another tremendous talent on an outstanding line, he held NFL records for fumbles recovered (29) and consecutive games played (282). His consecutive games played streak was broken by punter Jeff Feagles in 2005. In 1968 and 1969, he was named to the Pro Bowl. The Ohio State product was a relentless pass rusher, deemed one of the best of his era. He was also a stout run-stuffer. In the trenches, there were few better.

Next, consistency. Anyone would be hard-pressed to find players more consistent than the great lineman. In today's game ends are judged almost exclusively on their sack numbers. Unfortunately, back in Marshall's era, the league didn't count sacks or quarterback hurries, although he is currently credited with 127 sacks. There is no discounting the fact that he could rush the passer and play the run well. Given the fact that he did it for such a long time brings in consistency, and brings us to the next aspect the voters look at -- longevity.

Marshall's career spanned 20 seasons (1960-1979). If the aforementioned consecutive games played didn't scream longevity, nothing will. It's safe to say two decades of football constitutes as longevity.

Next up is leadership. To go along with the dominance he displayed at a consistent level for so many years, Marshall was also a great leader on and off the field. Upon retiring in '79, he was the final Vikings player from the expansion team of 1961. Being around a franchise for the amount of time the great defensive end was, it would be nearly impossible to not be a leader in one way or another. And displaying leadership isn't always being a vocal guy or taking rookies aside and bringing them under your wing. Leadership also includes going about your business, working hard, doing the right things, setting a good example for everyone else and not being a distraction. Marshall exemplified what a leader can be, whether he personally believes he was a leader on the team or not.

Finally, the one thing Marshall doesn't have that the committee looks at is Super Bowl rings. However, it shouldn't be held against him, as there are numerous Hall of Famers that were unable to capture a Super Bowl title. Also, there's no way he was the reason or one of the chief reasons for the Vikings' 0-4 record in the big game. While it is something the voters look at, it's hard to imagine it weighs too heavily, considering the other categories measured.

It is certainly quite puzzling to many that the well-deserving Marshall has yet to receive the anticipated phone call congratulating him on being elected to join the league's greatest in Canton.

So the question must be posed to the selection committee: Why isn't Jim Marshall in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Only they hold the answer.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

Find more Minnesota Vikings insights at Realfootball365.com
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CommentsComments: 9  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
James Cole		08:36 PM
08/07/2006
Wrote to Kansas Vikings debating that question several months ago. 282 games will never be broken by any defensive lineman. Dan...
No.2
Wade Benham		01:45 AM
08/08/2006
Just check the highlight film for two decades. Incredible. Without a doubt should be there. What about Mick Tinglehoff???
No.3
P		06:36 AM
08/09/2006
This may be the biggest ommission the Hall has ever made. I believe he not only was one of the greatest, he was the perfect...
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