Former Louisville QB Browning Nagle Dies at 57 After Cancer Battle

Nagle, a standout in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, played for the Jets and Falcons in the NFL.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting in shades of navy, green, and orange, breaking down a football scene into sharp, overlapping planes to conceptually represent the multifaceted legacy of a beloved quarterback.The cubist deconstruction of a football game captures the complex, fragmented nature of Browning Nagle's storied career on the field.Louisville Today

Browning Nagle, a former NFL quarterback who had a standout college career at Louisville, has died at the age of 57 after being diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year. Nagle was selected by the New York Jets in the 1991 NFL Draft and started for them in 1992 before later playing for the Atlanta Falcons.

Why it matters

Nagle was a beloved figure in Louisville football history, leading the Cardinals to a major upset win over Alabama in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl. His passing is a loss for the NFL and college football communities.

The details

Nagle was drafted by the Jets in the second round in 1991 after a successful college career at Louisville. He started 13 games for the Jets in 1992, throwing for 7 touchdowns, before being relegated to a backup role when the team acquired Boomer Esiason. Nagle later played for the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons before retiring from the NFL.

  • Nagle was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year.
  • Nagle passed away on April 10, 2026.

The players

Browning Nagle

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

Boomer Esiason

The 1988 NFL MVP who was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Jets in 1993, taking over as the starting quarterback and relegating Nagle to a backup role.

Brett Favre

The Hall of Fame quarterback who was selected one pick before Nagle in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

Louisville Cardinals

Nagle's college football team, where he led an upset win over Alabama in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl.

New York Jets

The NFL team that drafted Nagle in the second round in 1991 and made him their starting quarterback in 1992.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 loss for the Louisville and NFL communities, as he was a beloved figure who left a lasting impact through his standout college career and time in the pros. His story serves as a reminder of the human toll of cancer and the fragility of life, even for those who achieve athletic greatness.