New Delhi, March 30 -- The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the passing of Joey Browner, a Ring of Honour member and one of the most dominant safeties in franchise history. Browner passed away on Saturday at the age of 65, the team announced on Sunday. No cause of death was disclosed.

Joey Browner, born May 15, 1960, in Warren, Ohio, left an indelible mark on the Minnesota Vikings after they selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft out of USC. He became the first defensive back the franchise ever chose in the first round and remains one of only two safeties drafted that high by Minnesota, alongside current star Harrison Smith.

During his nine seasons with the Vikings from 1983 to 1991, Browner earned three first-team ...