Vikings Mourn the Loss of Ring of Honor Member Joey Browner

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the death of Ring of Honor safety Joey Browner, who passed away Saturday at age 65. The team announced Browner’s death on Sunday, capping a sorrowful weekend that began with news of the passing of former middle linebacker Jeff Siemon on Saturday.

Browner, the 19th overall selection in the 1983 draft out of USC, spent nine seasons with the Vikings and became one of the most feared defensive backs of his era. He appeared in 138 regular-season games, starting 115, and compiled 37 interceptions, 18 forced fumbles and 17 fumble recoveries. His 987 tackles (by team records) rank second in franchise history among defensive backs, while his 9.5 sacks are also the second-most by a Vikings DB.

“Joey was one of those players that could transcend any generation of player,” Ring of Honor linebacker Scott Studwell said in 2013. “He could’ve played today. When he played, he was one of the best at his position.”

Browner earned six consecutive Pro Bowl berths from 1985-90, trailing only Randall McDaniel (11) and Ron Yary (seven) for the longest streaks in club annals. He was a First-Team All-Pro in 1987, 1988 and 1990 and a Second-Team selection in 1989, leading the Vikings in tackles in both 1986 and 1987. The 1987 squad reached the NFC Championship Game, with Browner recording six interceptions that season.

Hall of Fame head coach Bud Grant, who tabbed Browner as the first defensive back Minnesota ever selected in the opening round, praised his speed and ball skills after the draft. “Any team he went to, he would improve the defense,” Grant said.

Browner’s nose for the football was evident from the start. As a rookie he played all 16 games, picking off two passes and recovering four fumbles. He became a full-time starter in 1985 and helped anchor defenses that finished first in the NFL in yards allowed in 1988 and 1989.

Fellow Ring of Honor member and longtime tight end Steve Jordan, who entered the league one year earlier and played nine seasons alongside Browner, visited him recently in the Twin Cities. “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.”

Browner’s legacy also lives on through current Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who matched his six Pro Bowl appearances and surpassed his interception total to move into fourth place on the franchise list last December. Smith called Browner “a guy who helped define what it is to be a safety” and said he felt “honored to be mentioned amongst him.”

In 2013 Browner became the 21st inductee into the Vikings Ring of Honor, joining legends such as Fran Tarkenton, Jim Marshall, Chris Doleman and John Randle. “The Ring of Honor is something that is very special because there are very few of us that are in there,” Browner said at the time.

Joey Browner is survived by his brothers, including former NFL players Ross, Jim, Keith and Gerald, who together forged one of the most prolific brotherhoods in league history.