Joyner was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the eighth round (208th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft. He was actually cut in training camp, but the Eagles re-signed him later in the season. Joyner played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles (1986–1993), Arizona Cardinals (1994–1996), Green Bay Packers (1997), and the Denver Broncos (1998). Joyner's unique combination of strength and quickness allowed him to excel in all defensive statistical categories and propelled him to three Pro Bowl accolades; being selected in 1991, 1993, and 1994. In one Monday Night Football game in 1991 against the Houston Oilers, Joyner, playing with a 102-degree fever, recorded eight solo tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two sacks. He was named NFL Player of the Year by Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated that year and received runner-up honors for Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year, while a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. As a Green Bay Packer, he appeared in Super Bowl XXXII, and the next year, he won Super Bowl XXXIII as a member of the Broncos in 1998, which turned out to be his last game.