A meeting of the iron men

Former Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall said a few weeks back that he would be happy to see Brett Favre break his consecutive games played record and that he looked forward to one-day meeting the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

That day came Friday.

Marshall and Favre got to meet for the first time after the Vikings finished their practice at Winter Park.Favre broke Marshall's record for consecutive starts last Sunday in Detroit. The mark, which had stood since 1979, was 270 games. Marshall still holds the NFL record for consecutive games played (282) by a position player but Favre is nearing that. Sunday will mark Favre's 274th game in a row.

After meeting Favre, Marshall talked to reporters in the Vikings' locker room.

Q. What do you think of him breaking the record?

A. "I think it's just tremendous. He's a great player. I admire him. I've admired his career. I'm happy that he's the one that's doing it."

Q. People marvel at you setting the mark from your position, what do you think about Favre breaking the record from the quarterback position?

Q. Did you get a chance to visit with him?

A. "Yes, I did. I told him I admired his career and am really happy that he's the one that is breaking that record."

Q. How exciting will it be for you to be involved with the pregame ceremonies on Sunday at the Metrodome? Are you looking forward to that? (Marshall will sound the Gjallarhorn as well as serve as an honorary team captain.)

A. "Yeah, as long as I don't have to do a lot of walking. I just got the new knee so I'm kind of nursing that a little bit." (Marshall was using a cane after having knee replacement surgery in late July.)

Q. Was it tempting to go to the Detroit game last week when Brad Childress invited you so you could see Favre break your mark? (Marshall did not go because he went away with his wife to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.)

Q. Is your consecutive games streak the biggest thing you take pride in from your career? (Marshall broke in with Cleveland in 1960 and then played for the Vikings from 1961 to 1979.)

A. "No. I look at the four Super Bowls that we played in as probably being the biggest accomplishment. We didn't win one but it was great to at least play in four Super Bowls."

Q. Do you think the game of football is more violent today or was it more violent when you played?

A. "I think you have better specimens [now]. You look at some of these guys. They are better trained than we were, more muscular. So it's a different game now. It's a whole different game now. You can't really compare them."

Q. A lot more rules now?

Q. If you played today how much would you be out because of fines?