Meet Joey Browner’s 3 Famous Brothers, As Vikings Star’s Cause Of Death Remains A Mystery

Joey Browner, the legendary Minnesota Vikings safety passed away on March 28, 2026. The Ring of Honour member was 65 years old at the time of his death. His NFL team announced his death, with no mention of the cause. Joey’s fans have expressed their grief regarding the unexpected happening and offered condolences to his family. Joey was part of one of the most prolific families in football history, with three of his brothers making it to the NFL, just like him. Notably, all of them have passed away before Joey.

How many brothers did Joey Browner have?

Vikings star, Joey Browner, had five brothers, all of whom were exceptional athletes, each earning high school All-American honours and playing major college football. Having siblings with similar interests and career goals is very rare; however, it was the reality for the brothers. Four out of the six, Ross, Jimmie, Keith and the late, Joey played in the National Football League (NFL). The other two made their mark in college football. Thus, football was a part of their growing up, and all the siblings attempted to build a career in the sport.

Who is the eldest Browner sibling, Ross Browner?

Ross Browner was a legendary American football defensive end, widely regarded as one of the most decorated defensive players in college football history. He was a two-time national champion at Notre Dame and spent the majority of his 10-season NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals. Born in 1954, Ross was the oldest of the six Browner brothers. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 67, due to complications from COVID-19. Before his demise, he was married and was also the father of two-time Super Bowl champion offensive tackle, Max Starks and former Arizona player, Rylan Browner.

All about Jimmie Lee Browner Jr.

Jimmie Lee Browner Jr. was a professional American football player who served as a defensive back for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). He was a member of the 1977 National Championship team at the University of Notre Dame, where he started as a running back before switching to defense. Jimmie was drafted by the Bengals in 1979, for whom he played 18 games over two seasons (1979–1980). Like his elder brother, Ross, Jimmie is also no longer around. Jimmie passed away on March 6, 2024, at the age of 68 in Atlanta, Georgia.

All about Keith Browner Sr.

Keith Browner Sr., born in 1962, was an American footballer who played five seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was a standout linebacker at USC, where he was a two-time Second-team All-Pac-10 selection (1982, 1983) and served as a team captain in his final season. Due to his stellar performance in college football, Keith was drafted 30th overall in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

During his five-year NFL career (1984–1988), Keith played for his debut team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, from 1984 to 1986, the San Francisco 49ers in 1987, the Los Angeles Raiders in 1987 and ended with the San Diego Chargers in 1988. His son, Keith Browner Jr. followed in his footsteps as a defensive end and played college football for the California Golden Bears. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears, but he didn’t make any significant mark in the NFL as of March 2026. Coming back to his father, Keith Browner Sr died unexpectedly on November 4, 2025, at the age of 63 in San Leandro, California. The cause was suspected to be a heart attack.

We share our heartfelt condolences with Joey Browner’s family as they deal with his loss.

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