Former New York Jets quarterback Browning Nagle has died after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
Louisville, Nagle’s alma mater, announced the tragic news on Friday. Nagle was 57.
We are saddened by the passing of Browning Nagle, former Fiesta Bowl MVP quarterback and Louisville great.
— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) April 10, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/06FGVTppyw
The Jets also honored Nagle with a post of their own.
We're saddened to announce the passing of Browning Nagle.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 10, 2026
Sending our love to the Nagle family 💚
The Jets made Nagle the 34th overall selection in the 1991 NFL draft. He famously went one pick after Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre, whom the Jets were looking to trade up for before the Falcons chose him.
After serving as a third-string quarterback during his rookie season, Nagle took over for Ken O’Brien as the Jets’ starter in 1992. He threw for 2,280 yards with 7 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, with New York going 3-10 across his 13 starts.
Nagle played one more season with the Jets before having brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons.
Nagle’s football career highlight came during the final game of his three-year run at Louisville. He caught the attention of draft scouts with his 451 passing yards at the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, which earned him MVP honors in the 34-7 win over Alabama.
