Former Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner died on Saturday at age 65, the team announced. Browner was a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro who earned induction into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2013.
The Vikings did not disclose the cause of death. The team is also mourning the loss of former linebacker Jeff Siemon this weekend. Browner spent nine seasons with Minnesota after being selected No. 19 overall in the 1983 NFL Draft, the first defensive back taken in the first round in franchise history. He finished his career with one season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992. Former teammate Steve Jordan remembered Browner fondly. > 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. Browner collected 37 interceptions, fifth in Vikings history, along with 9.5 sacks, second among franchise defensive backs, and 987 tackles. He led the team in tackles in 1986 and 1987 and played a key role on the No. 1-ranked defenses in yards allowed in 1988 and 1989. A USC All-American, Browner set a Pro Bowl record with three fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns across six appearances. He was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
