Vikings announce tragic death of six-time NFL Pro Bowler

March 30, 2026 - 04:00

The Minnesota Vikings announced the tragic passing of franchise legend Joey Browner, a six-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, on March 28. He was 65 years old.

Browner, a fearsome and dominant safety, spent nine of his ten professional seasons with the Vikings, establishing himself as one of the most formidable defensive backs of his era. His rare combination of size, speed, and punishing tackling ability made him a cornerstone of the Vikings' defense throughout the 1980s.

In a statement, the team expressed profound sorrow, remembering him as a "Ring of Honor Safety" whose impact on the field was matched by his presence in the community. His legacy includes not only his consistent Pro Bowl accolades but also his reputation as a turnover-forcing playmaker, a hard-hitting enforcer in the secondary, and a revered teammate.

Selected in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, Browner's career is celebrated for its intensity and longevity at the highest level. His passing leaves a significant void in the Vikings' family and across the broader NFL community, where he is remembered as one of the defining defensive players of his generation. The thoughts of fans and former colleagues are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.