Minnesota Vikings
Getty
A Minnesota Vikings helmet on the field before a practice at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have paid tribute to a former star on Sunday afternoon. Joey Browner reportedly passed away on March 28 at the age of 65.
Browner, who was selected by the Vikings with the No. 19 overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft out of USC, had a lot of success throughout his career. He played with Minnesota for all but one season of his career between 1983 and 1991. He finished out his final NFL season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Of note, Browner is a member of the Vikings’ Ring of Honor.
Throughout his NFL career, Browner played in 145 total games. He racked up 37 career interceptions, 17 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, and three defensive touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings, Fans Post Tribute to Joey Browner on Sunday
In a post on social media, Minnesota paid its respects to Browner.
“The Vikings are mourning the loss of Ring of Honor Safety Joey Browner,” the post read.
“Browner, a 6-time Pro Bowler and 4-time 1st Team All-Pro, was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and a part of the 50 Greatest Vikings announced in 2010.”
An interesting fact about Browner is that he is one of only two safeties to have been drafted in the first round by the franchise. The other is Harrison Smith.
At the time of this writing, Browner ranks fifth in all-time interceptions for the Vikings’ franchise. He was also named to the NFL’s 1980’s Team of the Decade and was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings back in 2010.
NFL Fans React to News of Browner’s Death
Fans quickly took to the comments section to share their memories and prayers.
“Damn I loved this guy growning up! The hockey elbow pads. A legend,” one fan wrote.
Another chimed in, “Rarely gets talked about. One of my favorites of the 80s.”
“Joey Browner was deserving of the Hall of Fame, it’s a shame it hasn’t happened. May he rest in peace,” a third fan commented.
A fourth fan said, “If you grew up in NE Ohio, the Browner brothers are legends. Great players and people. Saddened to hear.”
“Very Sad to hear this news and from a Detroit Lions guy, it was an honor watching his greatness,” a fifth comment read.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Browner’s family and friends during this difficult time. His NFL career was an overwhelming success and fans are remembering him fondly following the news of his passing.