Joey Browner, the Minnesota Vikings safety and Ring of Honor inductee, has died. Browner, a first-round draft pick out of USC who spent nine seasons with the Vikings, passed away on Saturday at age 65. No medical reason for his death was disclosed.

Career and achievements

Browner was a standout defensive back for the Vikings from 1983–91. A first-round NFL draft pick from USC, he was a three-time All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowler during his time in Minnesota. He was the first defensive back the Vikings selected in the first round and went on to rank second among Vikings defensive backs in sacks (9.5) and total tackles (987).

His 37 career interceptions are the fifth-most in franchise history. Browner helped anchor a dominant Vikings defense that ranked first in the NFL in fewest yards allowed in both 1988 and 1989. In 2010 he was named among the team’s ’50 Greatest Vikings’ and later inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor.

Reactions and tributes

The Vikings released a statement on Sunday mourning Browner’s death and included a tribute from former teammate Steve Jordan, also a Ring of Honor inductee. Jordan said: “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.”

Current Vikings safety Harrison Smith, one of three Vikings first-round safety picks alongside Browner and Lewis Cine, paid his own tribute after moving past Browner on the franchise interceptions list. Smith said: “[Browner] was a guy who helped define what it is to be a safety. We probably had kind of similar games, pretty physical guys, but also could turn the ball over well. I’ve been fortunate enough to talk to him. Just an honor to be mentioned amongst him.”

Context within a difficult weekend for the franchise

Browner’s death came on the same day that the Vikings announced the passing of longtime linebacker Jeff Siemon, who died aged 75. The club has faced multiple recent losses, including the deaths of Rondale Moore in late February and former defensive back Ronyell Whitaker days later, compounding a difficult time for the Vikings community.

The team’s statement did not disclose a cause of death for Browner. Further information has not been released.

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