Vikings announce Joey Browner as next Ring of Honor inductee
Former Vikings safety Joey Browner is about to receive the ultimate honor from the team, the Pioneer Press reports.
The Vikings made the announcement before the pre-season opener against the Houston Texans on Friday night at the Metrodome.
The 53-year-old Vikings great will become the 21st player inducted into the team's Ring of Honor. The induction ceremony will take place at halftime of the Vikings' nationally televised game against the Green Bay Packers Oct. 27, which is the eighth game of the regular season.
Browner was selected to play the Pro Bowl six times in his eight seasons with the Vikings.
The Star Tribune says Browner's 37 interceptions rank 4th in Vikings record books. He also caused 18 fumbles during his career, leading all other Vikings defensive backs. His 1,098 combined tackles rank fifth in the Vikings history.
Browner also had 9.5 sacks while with the team, the most-ever by a Vikings defensive back.
The safety was a first-round draft choice by Vikings in the 1983 draft. Browner played his first played his first season with the Vikings in the team's second year in the Metrodome.
According to Fox Sports North, Browner told reporters Friday that "the AstroTurf was a rock at that time."
Friday's announcement came as Browner's nephew, Keith Browner Jr., was suited up on the sidelines for the Houston Texans. Keith Browner Jr. plays defensive end.
Browner, who lives in Eagan, runs the Joey Browner Foundation, an organization that emphasizes early childhood education, the Pioneer Press says.
The Vikings posted a Browner highlight reel on the team website following the announcement.
