2. Jim Marshall, DE
The “Iron Man” of the NFL, Jim Marshall never missed a game in a 20-year NFL career. The 2-time Pro Bowler and member of both the 1960s and 1970s All-Decade teams may not have the accolades of some other Hall of Famers, but he was one of the anchors for the legendary Purple People Eaters defensive line and appeared in three Superbowls for the Minnesota Vikings. His 282 games played are the most by any defensive end in NFL history, and his 270 starts are 4th most of all-time – however his 270 consecutive starts are an NFL record for defensive players.
For a Hall of Fame that prides itself on consisting of the toughest players to ever play the game, the exclusion of Marshall – who has played in more games than many Hall of Famers combined – is a bit of a head-scratcher.
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