Fans of the Minnesota Vikings got some tragic news recently. The team announced on their X account that six-time Pro Bowl defensive back and member of the 50 Greatest Vikings, Joey Browner, has passed away.
Shockwaves made their way through the fandom as fans, along with current and past Vikings, paid their respects to the four-time All-Pro First Team safety on social media, many sharing how much he meant to the franchise and to them personally.
Browner was the No. 19 overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft by Minnesota and played with the Vikings through the 1991 season. In his nine seasons with the purple and gold, he had 37 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, and 9.5 sacks.
Former Minnesota Vikings players mourning the loss of Ring of Honor member Joey Browner on social media.
News of Joey Browner's passing began with the Minnesota Vikings' initial post on X, which included a link to their full article on the passing of the Ring of Honor defender.
The #Vikings are mourning the loss of Ring of Honor Safety Joey Browner.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 29, 2026
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.
📰: https://t.co/N96K2hUiEQ pic.twitter.com/tQxi9ieRuc
It didn't take long for tributes from other Vikings to come pouring in. Cornerback Dwight McGlothern shared the details of his meeting with Browner on X.
"Dang, I had a chance to meet him my rookie year & I was wearing #47 at the time during camp & hearing about his accomplishments, I’m grateful to had the chance to meet him & respresent the # he wore with the Vikings !! Everytime I walk in the DB room I always see greatness on the wall !!"
Former Vikings quarterback Rich Gannon had some kind words for Browner as well, noting his aggression on the field and kindness off it.
Sad to hear about the passing of my former teammate Joey Browner. On the football field he was one bad dude, off he was a kind soul!
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) March 29, 2026
Former Vikings player and coach Pete Bercich mentioned how the talented defensive back was underrated and respected by his peers in the league.
"One of the most under-rated Vikings of all time. Talk to those he played against and they all say he was one of the best…."
Greg Coleman is a former Vikings punter who also works in media. He told the story about a conversation with legendary Minnesota coach Bud Grant and how excited he was to have Browner on the special teams unit.
"One of the happiest moments of my time with the Vikings was when Bud Grant told me he was putting Joey on the punt team and which side did I want him to play, didn’t care One of the best teammates you could have and a man I called Friend! Prayers up for his family. RIP JB!"
The Minnesota Vikings put together a great tribute video that they shared on X. The video included the caption "He helped define what it is to be an NFL safety." Although he has passed on, the legacy of Joey Browner will continue to live on in the organization and fandom.