Vikings Legend Joey Browner Dies at 65
Joey Browner, a legendary former Vikings safety, died at the age of 65, the team confirmed on Sunday. Browner, a member of the team’s Ring of Honour, appeared in six consecutive Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams between 1985 and 1990.
The Vikings are mourning the loss of Ring of Honour Safety Joey Browner. Browner, a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro, was chosen to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and is one of the 50 Greatest Vikings, as announced in 2010.
Browner, who was born in Ohio, starred at USC from 1979 to 1982. The Vikings then took him 19th overall in the 1983 draft. Despite not starting as a rookie, he made an immediate impact with two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two sacks in his first season. By his third season, he was a full-time starter and one of the league’s top safeties.
Browner got a pick-six in 1985 and caused six fumbles, which is still tied for the franchise single-season record in that category. That year, he made his first Pro Bowl appearance. Browner intercepted six passes in 12 games in 1987 and was chosen first-team All-Pro despite missing a quarter of the regular season.
That season, the Vikings made the playoffs for the first time in five years and advanced to the NFC championship game.
Browner was named a first-team All-Pro again in 1988. He had five interceptions that season and then intercepted two passes in a first-round playoff victory over the Rams. He added his third postseason interception in a divisional round loss to the 49ers.
Browner was a second-team All-Pro in 1989, and he made the first team for the third time in 1990. He had career highs with seven interceptions and three sacks in 1990.
Only Randall McDaniel and Ron Yary have appeared in more consecutive Pro Bowls as Vikings than Browner has.
Browner intercepted at least five passes for the sixth consecutive season in 1991, his ninth and final season with the Minnesota Vikings. Only Paul Krause (six) has had more seasons with at least five interceptions in Vikings history.
Browner’s 37 career choices rank fifth in franchise history, below Krause, Bobby Bryant, Ed Sharockman, and Harrison Smith, who surpassed him in 2025. He also had 17 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, 9.5 sacks, and three pick-sixes over his nine seasons with the Vikings.
Browner played seven games with the Buccaneers in 1992 before retiring from the NFL. The Pro Football Hall of Fame nominated Browner to its 1980s All-Decade Team in recognition of his sustained brilliance.
In 2010, he was designated one of the 50 Greatest Vikings, and in 2013, he was put into the team’s Ring of Honour.
Former Vikings tight end Steve Jordan stated, “We’ve lost a great friend and one of the best Viking teammates.” “God endowed Joey with incredible skill and a great heart that allows him to love people and be a positive role model. He will be truly missed.
The Vikings had a terrible weekend, as they also lost former linebacker and four-time Pro Bowler Jeff Siemon at the age of 75.