Joey Browner, the pioneering defensive back drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the initial round and an inductee into the franchise’s Ring of Honor, passed away on Saturday at 65 years old, as the organization revealed Sunday.
The Vikings did not reveal the reason for Browner’s demise.
The Vikings drafted Browner as the 19th overall selection in the 1983 NFL draft from USC. He and Harrison Smith represent the sole safeties ever chosen by the Vikings during the initial round.
Browner received three All-Pro honors and participated in six straight Pro Bowls across nine seasons (1983-91) with the Vikings organization. He recorded 37 interceptions, converting three into touchdowns, along with 17 forced fumbles over 138 contests (115 starts) for the team. Additionally, he secured 17 fumble recoveries, with one being returned for a touchdown, and topped the Vikings in tackles during both 1986 and ’87 campaigns.
Browner’s 37 interceptions are positioned fifth overall in the annals of Vikings franchise history. Smith surpassed Browner and advanced to fourth overall upon securing his 38th interception during the previous season. He honored Browner subsequent to this achievement, stating Browner “was an individual instrumental in shaping the essence of a safety” and that it represented “a privilege to be acknowledged alongside him.”
Browner concluded his NFL career as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 1992.
He earned a spot on the NFL’s 1980s Team of the Decade and was enshrined in the Vikings’ Ring of Honor in 2013. He was recognized as one of the 50 Most Outstanding Vikings in 2010.