Pro-football-reference.com conducted extensive research when it counted sacks since 1960. That work is much appreciated by someone who covers a team that began play in 1961 and when revisiting the NFL career of Marshall, which began with Cleveland in 1960.
The research site counted 130.5 for Marshall, which is tied with Coy Bacon for 22nd all-time on the non-official NFL leaderboard.
Julius Peppers and Terrell Suggs (both not yet eligible), DeMarcus Ware, Jared Allen, John Abraham, Leslie O’Neal are the only players on the unofficial list with more sacks than Marshall or Bacon.
Marshall’s potential enshrinement is now in the hands of the Hall of Fame’s 12-person Seniors Committee, which recently included Marshall as one of 25 semifinalists who will be considered and narrowed to a group of 12 players by July 27.
Marshall didn’t stack Pro Bowl selections the way that some players did, but he helped the Vikings advance to four Super Bowls as a beloved captain. His abilities went beyond durability, and his leadership is often cited as one of the most influential keys to the success of the Purple People Eaters.
Neither Foreman nor Millard were included on the list of 25 semifinalists. Foreman and Millard both burned brightly, but they didn’t have the longevity enjoyed by other players.
Foreman won 1973 NFL Rookie of the Year honors and made the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons. He left a mark on the game with his dual-threat as a running back and receiver out of the backfield, but Foreman wrapped in 1980.
Millard’s start with the Vikings was less ceremonial. He was drafted in the first round in 1984 but played that season in the USFL before joining Minnesota in 1985, which overlapped with the start of Doleman’s career. Millard posted 11 sacks in 1985 and 10.5 more the following season.
He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1989 by The Associated Press after recording 18 sacks at defensive tackle. Millard’s bright trajectory was possible after he overcame…
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