Former Jets Quarterback Browning Nagle Dies at 57 After Cancer Battle

Nagle was a standout quarterback at Louisville who was drafted by the Jets in the 1991 NFL Draft.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:35am

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A fractured, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing a football player's motion, without any identifiable features or text.The legacy of quarterback Browning Nagle, who excelled at Louisville and played in the NFL, is captured in a Cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the sport he loved.Indianapolis Today

Browning Nagle, a former quarterback for the New York Jets who played in the NFL and Arena Football League, has died at the age of 57 after a battle with colon cancer. Nagle was the Jets' second-round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, one pick after the Atlanta Falcons selected Brett Favre. He started 13 games for the Jets in the 1992 season before being replaced by Boomer Esiason in 1993. Nagle also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, and the Orlando Predators and Buffalo Destroyers in the Arena Football League.

Why it matters

Nagle's passing is a loss for the Jets organization and the broader football community. As a standout quarterback at Louisville, he led the Cardinals to a Fiesta Bowl victory and was selected in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft, just one pick after Brett Favre. His NFL career was cut short, but he continued playing professionally in the Arena Football League. Nagle was also known for his singing talents, performing the national anthem at Louisville games and other events.

The details

Nagle was born in Philadelphia and grew up in the Tampa Bay area after his family relocated when he was 13. He was a standout quarterback and pitcher at Pinellas Park High School in Florida. Nagle's college football career began at West Virginia before he transferred to the University of Louisville, where he started his final two seasons. His defining moment came on New Year's Day 1991, when he was named MVP of Louisville's 34-7 Fiesta Bowl win over Alabama. The Jets selected Nagle 34th overall in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft, one pick after the Atlanta Falcons took Brett Favre. Nagle started 13 games for the Jets in the 1992 season, throwing for 2,361 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. He later played for the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, as well as the Orlando Predators and Buffalo Destroyers in the Arena Football League.

  • Nagle was drafted by the Jets in the 1991 NFL Draft.
  • Nagle started 13 games for the Jets in the 1992 season.
  • Nagle played for the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons in the NFL.
  • Nagle played for the Orlando Predators and Buffalo Destroyers in the Arena Football League.
  • Nagle passed away on April 11, 2026 at the age of 57 after a battle with colon cancer.

The players

Browning Nagle

A former quarterback who played for the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, as well as the Orlando Predators and Buffalo Destroyers in the Arena Football League. Nagle was a standout quarterback at the University of Louisville, where he was named MVP of the 1991 Fiesta Bowl.

Brett Favre

A Hall of Fame quarterback who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1991 NFL Draft, one pick before the Jets selected Browning Nagle.

Boomer Esiason

A former NFL quarterback who joined the Jets in 1993, replacing Browning Nagle as the team's starting quarterback.

Bruce Coslet

The head coach of the New York Jets in 1992, when Browning Nagle was the team's starting quarterback.

Jeff Brohm

The head coach of the University of Louisville football team, who paid tribute to Browning Nagle on social media.

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What they’re saying

“Unbelievable, unimaginable. I had a lot of dreams about this game and this season, but none of them were as beautiful as this turned out.”

— Browning Nagle

“Browning was a great guy. He had an infectious laugh and was so much fun to be around. We often competed against each other while also showing respect for one another. I will always remember the laughter and infectious spirit Browning had and how much he enjoyed out-driving me on the golf course. May he rest in peace knowing he lived an impactful life.”

— Boomer Esiason, Former Teammate

“Sad to hear about Browning Nagle passing but this dude fought hard at everything he did, and battled till the end. Hosted me on my recruiting trip and even checked on me when I enrolled all while preparing for the NFL draft. He didn't have to do that ... Still never seen a QB throw a football that far or that HARD! Rest Cardinal brother.”

— Marty Lowe, Former Teammate

“I remember watching him in practice and play games and recalling the velocity he could put on his passes, it was just amazing.”

— Michael Lynch, Former High School Teammate

The takeaway

Browning Nagle's passing is a loss for the football community, as he was a talented quarterback who had a standout career at Louisville and played in the NFL and Arena Football League. His infectious personality and passion for the game made him a beloved teammate, and his singing talents added to his legacy. While his NFL career was cut short, Nagle's impact on the sport and those around him will not be forgotten.