NFL Films made the gaffe by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall famous. A prominent player on the Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters,” Marshall played 20 seasons in the NFL and is regarded as one of the finer defensive linemen of his era.
However, it was an infamous play from a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 25, 1964 that brought him arguably his biggest fame. He alertly snagged a loose ball that was fumbled by San Francisco’s Billy Kilmer.
Marshall ran unencumbered to the end zone. Unfortunately, he had become disoriented and ran to the wrong end zone. So, rather than six points for the Vikings, he scored a safety for the 49ers.
