Remembering Joey Browner: A Vikings Legend Passes Away at 65
Former Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner passed away on Saturday at the age of 65, as announced by the team. This weekend also marks the loss of another Vikings great, former linebacker Jeff Siemon. The cause of Browner's death remains undisclosed. Former Vikings tight end Steve Jordan expressed his sorrow, stating, "We've lost a great friend and one of the best Vikings teammates. 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 was honored in the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2013 and earned a place on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. He is widely regarded as one of the best safeties of his era, achieving: Six Pro Bowl selections Four consecutive All-Pro nods A record of three fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns at the Pro Bowl In 1986 and 1987, he led the Vikings in tackles and played a pivotal role on the 1988 and 1989 teams that ranked No. 1 in the NFL for defense by yards allowed. Browner spent nine seasons with the Vikings, ranking third in franchise history for games played. He concluded his NFL career with a single season at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992. His impressive stats include: 37 interceptions (fifth in Vikings history) 9.5 sacks (second among Vikings defensive backs) 987 tackles Joey Browner's legacy as a player and a person will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-03-29