Former Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner dies at age 65

Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner, a six-time Pro Bowl selection who played most of his NFL career with the team, has died. He was 65. The Vikings announced his death on Sunday, October 27, 2024.[1][2]

Browner, born May 18, 1959, was selected by the Vikings in the first round, 19th overall, of the 1983 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California.[2][3] He became a starter in his second season and earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 1986, his third year with the team.[2][3]

Over nine seasons with the Vikings from 1983 to 1991, Browner appeared in 135 regular-season games, recording 37 interceptions and 8 sacks.[2][3] In 1990, he played all 16 games and led the team with a career-high seven interceptions.[2][3] He also played in six playoff games for Minnesota but did not reach the Super Bowl.[3]

Browner was selected to the Pro Bowl six times (1987-1992) and earned three first-team All-Pro honors (1988-1990).[2][3] He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-1980s Team.[2] The Vikings inducted him into their Ring of Honor in 2013.[1][2]

Browner closed his career with seven games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992.[2][3]

"We've lost a great friend and one of the best Vikings teammates," former Vikings tight end Steve Jordan said on the team's website. "God blessed Joey with phenomenal talent and a big heart to love people and be a beacon of positivity. Truly, he will be missed."[1]

Sources

1. Minnesota Vikings, "Former first-round pick Joey Browner passes away at age 65", October 27, 2024, https://www.vikings.com/news/joey-browner-1983-first-round-pick-passes-away-at-age-65
2. Pro-Football-Reference.com, "Joey Browner", accessed October 28, 2024, https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowJo00.htm
3. NFL.com, "Joey Browner", accessed October 28, 2024, https://www.nfl.com/players/joey-browner/