The Minnesota Vikings announced on March 29 that Ring of Honor member Joey Browner has died at the age of 65.
Browner’s passing comes during a difficult weekend for the team, following the recent death of former middle linebacker Jeff Siemon. Both Browner and Siemon were named among the franchise’s 50 Greatest Vikings in 2010.
Browner was remembered by many, including fellow Ring of Honor member Steve Jordan, who played alongside him for nine seasons. “We’ve lost a great friend and one of the best Vikings teammates,” Jordan said. “God blessed Joey with phenomenal talent and a big heart to love people and be a beacon of positivity. Truly, he will be missed.”
Drafted out of USC in 1983 as the first defensive back selected by Minnesota in the first round, Browner made an immediate impact on defense. He recorded 37 interceptions, forced 18 fumbles, and recovered another 17 over his nine seasons with Minnesota. Hall of Fame Head Coach Bud Grant said after drafting Browner: “We’re looking for more interceptions down the middle… If our information is accurate, he would be our fastest defensive back.” Grant added: “Any team he went to, he would improve the defense.”
Browner came from a family deeply rooted in football; three brothers also played professionally while others competed at major college programs. His brother Ross once told reporters their parents encouraged them to pursue positive activities like sports.
During his career with Minnesota from 1983-91—and one final season with Tampa Bay—Browner earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1985-90 and was named All-Pro four times by The Associated Press. He ranks third in games played by a safety for Minnesota behind Harrison Smith and Paul Krause.
Reflecting on Browner’s legacy after surpassing him on an all-time list last December, Smith said: “He was a guy who helped define what it is to be a safety… I’ve been fortunate enough to talk to him. Just an honor to be mentioned amongst him.” In addition to being inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2013 as its twenty-first Legend, Browner was also named to the NFL’s Team of the Decade for the 1980s.
