Former Jets, Falcons QB Browning Nagle Dies at 57 After Cancer Diagnosis

Nagle, a Louisville standout in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, had been battling colon cancer since earlier this year.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:27am

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An abstract painting with rapid, neon-colored brushstrokes that convey the powerful motion and energy of a quarterback throwing a football, conceptually representing the legacy of Browning Nagle.The bold, energetic strokes of this painting capture the dynamic playing style of former NFL quarterback Browning Nagle, whose passing at 57 has left the football world mourning.Louisville Today

Browning Nagle, a former NFL quarterback who played for the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons, has died at the age of 57. Nagle was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year and passed away on Friday, according to an announcement from his alma mater, the University of Louisville.

Why it matters

Nagle was a standout quarterback at Louisville in the early 1990s, leading the team to a Fiesta Bowl appearance in 1991. He was then selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Jets and went on to play for both the Jets and Falcons during his professional career, making his mark as a strong-armed passer in the league.

The details

After being drafted by the Jets in 1991, Nagle made his NFL debut that year and spent three seasons with the team. He later joined the Falcons in 1994 and played for them for two seasons before retiring from professional football.

  • Nagle was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year.
  • Nagle passed away on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Browning Nagle

A former NFL quarterback who played for the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons, and was a standout at the University of Louisville in the early 1990s.

University of Louisville

Nagle's alma mater, where he was a standout quarterback in the early 1990s.

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The takeaway

Nagle's passing at the young age of 57 is a tragic loss for the football community, as he was a talented quarterback who left his mark on the sport both in college and the NFL. His battle with colon cancer serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment for this disease.