There’s a reason that so many people are struggling to come to terms with that fact that Vikings legend Jim Marshall is gone. Because of the way he lived, it almost seemed he couldn’t die. The icon affectionately known as “The Captain” by his peers passed away last week at the age of 87 following a lengthy hospitalization.

Part of Minnesota’s famed unit the Purple People Eaters, he started a record 270 consecutive games. Also famously, he once scooped up a fumble and ran to the wrong end zone.

Minnesota Vikings legend Jim Marshall died Tuesday after a “lengthy hospitalization,” the team announced. He was 87. Known as “The Captain,” Marshall joined the Vikings in their inaugural season in 1961 after being traded to Minnesota from the Browns after his rookie season.