Marshall injured in car crash

Jim Marshall, the former Minnesota Viking who started more games than any defensive player in NFL history, broke a vertebra and some ribs in an auto accident.

Marshall, who was recovering at the Mayo Clinic, was injured Friday.

A hospital statement did not give details of the accident.

The 63-year-old Marshall, diagnosed with cancer last year, said he is in pain but that he could be released in a few days.

Marshall played in 270 consecutive games from 1961-79 with the Vikings, appearing in four Super Bowls and two Pro Bowls.

He holds the NFL record for most defensive starts (282).

He might be best known for running the wrong way after picking up a fumble in a game in San Francisco in 1964.

The play resulted in a safety, but Minnesota won anyway, 27-22.