Former Vikings backfield enforcer Joey Browner, a standout safety from 1983-91, will be the 21st member of the Vikings Ring of Honor. Browner will be immortalized at halftime of the Sunday Night Football game vs. Green Bay on October 27.
Known for his aggressive style and big-play mentality, Browner posted 1,098 career combined defensive and special teams stops (987 defensive, 111 special teams). His 9.5 career sacks are the most by a Vikings DB, his 18 career forced fumbles leads all Vikings DBs, his total tackles are 5th by a Viking and #1 by a Vikings DB. He played in 138 games as a Viking, the 2nd-most by a DB and his 37 career interceptions are 4th in team history.
Browner went to 6 straight Pro Bowls from 1985-90, tied with Paul Krause for the most Pro Bowl selections by a Vikings DB. A 3-time Associated Press All-Pro honoree, Browner was named to the NFL’s Team of the Decade for the 1980s. A member of the 50 Greatest Vikings team, Browner earned his reputation as one of the NFL’s most feared defenders during his career. He led the team in tackles in 1986 and ’87 and was a key element to the Vikings ranking #1 in NFL total defense in 1988 and ’89.
Originally drafted out of USC in 1983, Browner was the 19th selection of the 1st round. He was the 1st Vikings DB to be drafted in the 1st round and is the only safety along with Harrison Smith in 2012 to be drafted in the 1st round
VIKINGS RING OF HONOR INDUCTEES- Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page, Jim Finks, Bud Grant, Paul Krause, Fred Zamberletti, Jim Marshall, Ron Yary, Korey Stringer, Mick Tingelhoff, Carl Eller, Cris Carter, Bill Brown, Jerry Burns, Randall McDaniel, Chuck Foreman, John Randle, Scott Studwell, Chris Doleman, Matt Blair, Joey Browner.
VIKINGS CAREER COMBINED TACKLES (Defense & Special Teams)
Scott Studwell 1,981
Matt Blair 1,452
Jeff Siemon 1,382
Alan Page 1,120
Joey Browner 1,098
VIKINGS CAREER SACKS BY A DEFENSIVE BACK
Joey Browner 9.5
Karl Kassulke 7.5
Robert Griffith 7.5
VIKINGS CAREER GAMES PLAYED BY A DEFENSIVE BACK
Paul Krause 171
Joey Browner 138
VIKINGS CAREER INTERCEPTIONS
Paul Krause 53
Bobby Bryant 51
Ed Sharockman 40
Joey Browner 37
