Joey Browner, one of the most successful safeties in the history of the Minnesota Vikings franchise, died Saturday at the age of 65, the team announced.
A Pro Bowler six years straight from 1985-1990, Browner also made three first-team All-Pro teams during that run of individual excellence, accolades that helped propel him to a spots on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, the Vikings Ring of Honor and the list of 50 Greatest Vikings.
He ranks second in Vikings history in sacks by a defensive back (9.5) and total tackles (987), third in games played by a safety (145) and fifth in interceptions (37).
Browner, whose three brothers Jim, Keith and Ross also made it to the NFL, played college football at USC, starting 44 games for the Trojans from 1979-1982 with nine interceptions, two INT touchdowns and one score on a punt return. After transitioning from cornerback to safety during his senior year, Browner joined the Vikings as the 19th-overall pick in the 1983 draft.
Having developed a nose for the ball at USC, he immediately built on that foundation in the pros, recovering four fumbles as a rookie, with two forced fumbles and interceptions apiece. On top of his aforementioned 37 career picks, he also finished his career with a matching 17 forced fumbles and 17 recoveries, plus four defensive TDs.
Though the Vikings hit a playoff lull starting the year they drafted Browner, missing four straight postseasons, their chances at contending again rose as Browner's star did.
The Vikings returned to the playoffs during the 1987 season, Browner's first as an All-Pro, and came one game short of the Super Bowl by losing to Washington in the NFC Championship Game. Minnesota stacked another two playoff berths in 1988 and 1989, but twice fell in the Divisional Round before entering another brief cold streak. Browner collected three interceptions to lead all defenders in the '88 playoffs.
His final year as a Viking came in 1991, his fifth straight campaign with five or more interceptions
Browner then spent the 1992 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and retired after a 10-year career.
