Former Louisville Football Star and NFL QB Browning Nagle Dies at 57

Nagle led the Cardinals to a Fiesta Bowl victory over Alabama in 1991 before playing five seasons in the NFL.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:26pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy and overlapping action of a football game, with sharp planes of red, gold, and navy blue representing the intensity of the competition.The vibrant, geometric deconstruction of Browning Nagle's iconic Fiesta Bowl victory encapsulates the lasting impact of the Louisville football legend.Louisville Today

Browning Nagle, a former quarterback for the Louisville Cardinals football team who later played in the NFL, has passed away at the age of 57. Nagle led Louisville to a 34-7 win over Alabama in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl and was selected in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, playing five seasons in the league with the Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons.

Why it matters

Nagle was a beloved figure in Louisville's football history, leading the Cardinals to one of their biggest victories over a powerhouse program in Alabama. His passing is a significant loss for the Louisville community and the sport of college football.

The details

Nagle transferred to Louisville from West Virginia and played quarterback for the Cardinals from 1989 to 1991. In his college career, he threw for 4,653 yards and 32 touchdowns. His standout performance came in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, where he led Louisville to a 34-7 win over Alabama. After being drafted by the Jets in 1991, Nagle spent five seasons in the NFL with the Jets, Colts, and Falcons, throwing for 2,489 yards and 8 touchdowns.

  • Nagle played for Louisville from 1989 to 1991.
  • The Cardinals defeated Alabama 34-7 in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl.
  • Nagle was drafted by the New York Jets in the 2nd round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
  • Nagle played in the NFL from 1991 to 1996.

The players

Browning Nagle

A former quarterback who played for the Louisville Cardinals from 1989 to 1991 and in the NFL from 1991 to 1996.

Jeff Brohm

The current head coach of the Louisville Cardinals football team, who was Nagle's backup during his time at Louisville.

Louisville Cardinals

The college football team that Nagle played for, leading them to a Fiesta Bowl victory over Alabama in 1991.

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What they’re saying

“We are saddened by the passing of Browning Nagle, former Fiesta Bowl MVP quarterback and Louisville great. His leadership on the field and passion for the game left a lasting mark on our program. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and teammates during this difficult time.”

— Louisville Football, Official Twitter Account

“Our thoughts and prayers are with #7 Browning Nagle, his wife Michelle, and his entire family today. A true Cardinal great! We will all miss him very much. Love you buddy!”

— Jeff Brohm, Head Coach, Louisville Cardinals

The takeaway

Browning Nagle's passing is a significant loss for the Louisville football community, as he was a beloved figure who led the Cardinals to one of their biggest victories in program history. His impact on the team and the sport will be remembered fondly by those who knew him and followed his career.