Browning Nagle, former Louisville star QB, dies at 57

Field Level Media
10 Apr 2026, 22:49 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Michael C. Hebert-Imagn Images)

Browning Nagle, who guided Louisville to a victory in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl and played five NFL seasons, died this week after a battle with colon cancer. He was 57.

Louisville announced his passing on Friday.

Nagle threw for a program-record 451 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Cardinals to a 34-7 romp over Alabama in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 1991.

Under head coach Howard Schnellenberger, Nagle threw for 4,653 yards and 32 touchdowns during his two seasons as a starter from 1989-90.

'We are saddened by the passing of Browning Nagle, former Fiesta Bowl MVP quarterback and Louisville great,' the school said in a statement. 'His leadership on the field and passion for the game left a lasting mark on our program.'

Current Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm offered his sympathies over social media.

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

Nagle was selected by the New York Jets with the 34th overall pick of the 1991 NFL Draft, one pick behind Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.

Nagle struggled with the Jets, completing just 49.4% of his passes for 2,361 yards with seven touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 18 games from 1991-93. He later signed with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons, finishing his NFL career with 2,489 passing yards, eight TDs and 20 interceptions in 24 games (14 starts).

--Field Level Media

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