Minneapolis, MN — Vikings Nation is coming together in prayer following heartbreaking news involving one of its own. Former Minnesota Vikings standout Joey Browner has been diagnosed with Stage IV glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and incurable forms of brain cancer. The diagnosis has sent shockwaves throughout Minneapolis and across the wider NFL community.

According to Browner’s family, his condition has deteriorated rapidly over the past several months. He is now bedridden and receiving palliative care, with doctors focusing solely on managing pain and keeping him comfortable. One family member shared a deeply emotional update on his current state: “He spends most of his days lying still, relying on medication just to manage the pain.”

Remaining by his side at all times is a powerful reminder of who he is and what he gave to the game — the Minnesota Vikings jersey from the final season of his career. “That Vikings jersey never leaves his side,” a family member said quietly. “It represents his strength, his pride, and every battle he fought for this city.”

Joey Browner’s legacy in Minneapolis is inseparable from the identity of the franchise itself. Drafted in 1983, he became a foundational piece of the Vikings’ secondary for nearly a decade, anchoring the defense and setting the physical tone for some of the most aggressive teams in franchise history.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Browner was a central leader during the Vikings’ dominant 1980s era, helping anchor defenses that reached multiple playoff appearances. Renowned for his durability, toughness, and leadership, he embodied everything Minneapolis fans hold sacred — grit, loyalty, and accountability.

Throughout his career, Browner earned respect by playing through pain, sacrificing his body, and always placing the team above himself. That same resilience now defines his fight off the field — a battle far greater than football.

As his family respectfully asks for privacy, Vikings Nation continues to rally around him — offering prayers, love, and gratitude to a man who gave everything to the purple and gold. This moment is no longer about accolades or postseason success, but about standing beside one of Minneapolis’s own in the most difficult fight of his life. 🏈💜 Vikings Nation, please keep Joey Browner and his family in your prayers. Once a Viking — always a Viking.