Joey Browner, the hard-hitting safety who held down the back end of the Minnesota Vikings' defense through the 1980s and later took his place in the franchise's Ring of Honor, has died at 65.
Browner died on March 28 in Eagan, Minnesota, according to WKBN. Early reports did not list a cause of death.
Vikings, teammates mourn
The Minnesota Vikings posted a tribute on the team's website, saying the organization is mourning the loss of a Ring of Honor member and longtime locker-room leader, according to Vikings.com. The club pointed to Browner's 2013 induction into the Vikings Ring of Honor and remembered him as a constant presence in the franchise's secondary.
Career and numbers
A first-round pick out of USC in 1983, selected 19th overall, Browner quickly became one of the league's premier safeties. He stacked up six consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 1985 through 1990 and earned a spot on the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team. Browner spent nine seasons with the Vikings before finishing his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992. His career totals include 37 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries and 9.5 sacks, according to Pro-Football-Reference.
From Warren to the pros
Born and raised in Warren, Ohio, Browner played at Warren Western Reserve before finishing his high school career at Southwest High in Georgia, according to local coverage. He went on to star at USC and was taken in the first round of the 1983 draft, beginning a decade-long run as one of the NFL's top safeties, per WKBN.
Details about funeral or memorial services were not included in the Vikings' statement or in early news reports, according to Vikings.com. In the meantime, fans and former teammates have turned to social media to share memories, saluting Browner's ferocious play and steady leadership.
