Former Jets, Falcons QB Browning Nagle dies at 57 after cancer diagnosis

Nagle was a standout quarterback at Louisville who later played in the NFL for the Jets and Falcons.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:21am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of brown, blue, and green, conceptually representing the multifaceted nature of a football game or match.The fragmented, geometric depiction of a football game captures the complexity and intensity of Browning Nagle's career, both on the college and professional levels.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 after being diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year. Nagle was a standout at the University of Louisville, where he etched his name into college football history with a 451-yard, 3-touchdown performance in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl upset over Alabama.

Why it matters

Nagle's passing marks the loss of a talented quarterback who had a memorable college career and went on to play in the NFL, where he started games for the Jets in the early 1990s. His connection to Brett Favre, who was drafted one pick before Nagle in 1991, also adds historical significance to his story.

The details

Nagle was selected by the Jets in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Louisville. He saw limited action as a rookie but took over as the Jets' starting quarterback in 1992, finishing that season with a 3-10 record and 7 touchdown passes. Nagle later had stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons before his NFL career ended. After retiring from football, Nagle pursued a career in medical sales.

  • Nagle was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year.
  • Nagle was selected by the Jets in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
  • Nagle had a memorable performance in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, throwing for 451 yards and 3 touchdowns in Louisville's upset win over Alabama.

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, where he had a legendary performance in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl.

Brett Favre

A Hall of Fame NFL quarterback who was drafted one pick before Nagle in the 1991 NFL Draft, going to the Atlanta Falcons.

Boomer Esiason

The 1988 NFL MVP who was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Jets in 1993, relegating Nagle to a reserve role.

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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 Program

The takeaway

Browning Nagle's passing is a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting impact that talented athletes can have, both on the field and in their communities. His college heroics and NFL career, as well as his connection to Brett Favre, will ensure that Nagle's name is remembered in the annals of football history.