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NFL Hall of Fame: 10 worst omissions

By Matt Verderame

Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; General view of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; General view of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jim Marshall

The fact that Marshall is not in the Hall of Fame is criminal. Marshall is easily one of the greatest defensive ends to ever play the game and got plenty of acclaim during his 20-year career, playing alongside Alan Page and Carl Eller  – both in the Hall – for the Purple People Eaters. Marshall played in 1960 for the Cleveland Browns before going to the expansion Minnesota Vikings in 1961. From that point forward, he started 270 consecutive games until his retirement.

Marshall is likely not in the Hall of Fame because of his wrong-way run in 1964 against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, Marshall scooped up a fumble and ran into the wrong end zone, scoring a safety. It has become the defining moment of a career steeped in brilliance. Marshall went to the Super Bowl four times with the Vikings and during his career recovered 30 fumbles, an NFL record.

Marshall’s number is retired by Minnesota and he has made its 25th and 40th Anniversary teams. Marshall was a two-time Pro Bowler, which sounds low but considering the other man in the league at that time (Deacon Jones, Willie Davis and Eller to name a few), the achievement is significant.

Next: 1. Jerry Kramer

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