Ex-Vikings Star Joey Browner Dies at 65

Browner was a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro during his nine-year career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:04pm

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Joey Browner, a former NFL star defensive back who spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, has died at the age of 65, the team announced on Sunday. Browner was a six-time Pro Bowler and a three-time First Team All-Pro selection during his nine seasons with the Vikings.

Why it matters

Browner was a beloved figure in the Vikings organization and was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 2013, recognizing his outstanding contributions as one of the best defensive backs in franchise history. His passing is a significant loss for the Vikings and the NFL community.

The details

The Vikings selected Browner in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft out of USC. He worked his way up the depth chart to become a starter in his second season and was selected to his first Pro Bowl by his third year with the team. Browner had 37 interceptions and 9.5 sacks in 138 games with the Vikings. One of his best seasons came in 1990 when he had a career-high seven interceptions.

  • Browner was drafted by the Vikings in 1983.
  • He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 1985.
  • Browner had a career-high 7 interceptions in 1990.
  • The Vikings inducted Browner into their Ring of Honor in 2013.

The players

Joey Browner

A former NFL star defensive back who spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro selection.

Minnesota Vikings

The NFL team that Browner played for during the majority of his nine-year career, where he became a beloved figure and was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 2013.

Steve Jordan

A former Vikings star who paid tribute to Browner, calling him a 'great friend and one of the best Vikings teammates' who was 'blessed with phenomenal talent and a big heart.'

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Steve Jordan, Former Vikings Star

The takeaway

Browner's passing marks the end of an era for the Minnesota Vikings, as they mourn the loss of one of the best defensive backs in franchise history and a beloved teammate who left a lasting impact on the organization and community.