Former USC defensive back Joey Browner passes away at age 65
Over the weekend, we lost Joey Browner, who was an all-conference safety at USC in the early 1980s
Over the weekend, the football community received sad news with the announced passing of former USC and NFL defensive back Joey Browner. Browner was just 65 years old. Browner played for the Trojans from 1979-1982.
As a freshman, he was part of one of the most talented teams in college football history that featured the likes of Charles White, Marcus Allen, Ronnie Lott, and Anthony Muñoz. That USC team finished 11-0-1 and defeated Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Browner would also help lead the Trojans to a Fiesta Bowl appearance following the 1981 season.
As a senior in 1982, he earned all-Pac-10 honors at safety after converting from cornerback prior to the year. The Minnesota Vikings selected Browner with the 19th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. He would go on to play ten seasons in the NFL, being named All-Pro three times and making six Pro Bowls.
He is a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor. Browner came from a decorated football family, with numerous family members who also played in the NFL. His younger brother, Keith Browner, was his teammate at USC, playing linebacker for the Trojans from 1980-1983.