![Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall at his home Tuesday January 9, 2018 in St. Louis Park, MN. ] JERRY HOLT • jerry.holt@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UUZ6ZKU77CKDCO24IVPZ3JZ2GI.jpg?&w=1080)
Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall and running back Chuck Foreman are among 52 former players still being considered for the three finalist spots from the Seniors category for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, the Hall announced Thursday morning.
The nine Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee members, who also serve on the 50-person selection committee, were tasked with reducing a list of 162 nominees down to 50, plus ties. They now will trim the field from 52 to 25 to nine over the next several weeks. After that, they’ll meet virtually to decide the three finalists.
Seniors under consideration for 2026 played their final seasons in 2000 or before.
Marshall, who died June 3, defined the term “NFL ironman” during a 20-year career (1960-79) in which he played the final 19 as an original member of the Vikings. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Marshall’s 289 consecutive games started, including playoffs, is second in NFL history behind Brett Favre’s 321. Marshall’s 301 consecutive games played, including playoffs, is third behind punter Jeff Feagles (363) and Favre (323).
Foreman, 74, was a dual-threat running back who was ahead of his time. He won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1973 and finished third in the Associated Press’ 1974 NFL MVP voting. A five-time Pro Bowl pick and 1975 first-team All-Pro, Foreman played seven seasons with the Vikings and a final year in New England. He led the NFL in receptions in 1975 (73), touchdowns from scrimmage in 1974 (15) and 1976 (14) and total touchdowns from 1974-76 (51).
Other seniors in the field of 52 with ties to the Vikings are running back Roger Craig, whose 11-year career ended with two seasons in Minnesota (1992-93), and receiver Art Powell, whose career ended in 1968 with one game with the Vikings.
