Warren football legend Joey Browner dies at 65

Browner was a three-time All-Pro safety who played for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1980s.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:09am

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Joey Browner, a legendary football player from Warren, Ohio who went on to a standout career as a safety for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1980s, has died at the age of 65. Browner was a three-time All-Pro selection and played in the Pro Bowl six times during his 11-year NFL career.

Why it matters

Browner was one of the most dominant defensive players of his era and a beloved figure in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. His passing marks the end of an era for Vikings fans and the local community that watched him rise to stardom.

The details

Browner was selected 19th overall by the Vikings in the 1983 NFL Draft out of USC. He went on to play 11 seasons in Minnesota, recording 37 interceptions and earning six Pro Bowl selections. Browner was known for his hard-hitting style of play and was a key part of some of the Vikings' best defenses in the 1980s.

  • Browner was drafted by the Vikings in 1983.
  • He played 11 seasons in the NFL, all with the Vikings, from 1983 to 1993.
  • Browner was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2013.

The players

Joey Browner

A legendary football player from Warren, Ohio who was a three-time All-Pro safety for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1980s, playing 11 seasons in the NFL.

Zygi Wilf

The majority owner of the Minnesota Vikings, who presented Browner with the team's Ring of Honor in 2013.

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What they’re saying

“Joey Browner was one of the all-time greats to ever wear a Vikings uniform. His hard-hitting style of play and leadership on the field made him a fan favorite in Minnesota.”

— Zygi Wilf, Minnesota Vikings Owner

The takeaway

Browner's passing is a significant loss for the Vikings franchise and the city of Warren, Ohio, where he was a beloved hometown hero. His legacy as one of the best defensive players of his era will live on through his Hall of Fame-caliber career and impact on the game.