NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Former NFL quarterback Browning Nagle, Louisville’s standout in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, has died, his alma mater announced Friday. He was 57 years old.
Nagle was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year.
He made his professional football debut in 1991 after the New York Jets drafted the strong-arm quarterback in the second round. Nagle saw limited action in his rookie season, attempting only one pass, but assumed the starting role in 1992.
Nagle finished his time as the Jets’ starter with a 3-10 record and seven touchdown passes.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Browning Nagle warms up before the Falcons’ 21-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida, on December 3, 1995. (Scott Halleran/All Sports)
Boomer Esiason, the 1988 NFL MVP, was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Jets in 1993, relegating Nagle to a reserve role. Nagle joined the Indianapolis Colts in 1994 before finishing his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.
Nagle was long linked to Brett Favre, whom the Jets had targeted in the 1991 NFL Draft. After failing to make a trade, New York selected Nagle after Atlanta selected Favre once before with the 33rd overall pick.
New York Jets quarterback Browning Nagle stands on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh on August 7, 1993. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Months before entering the NFL, Nagle etched his name into college football lore, throwing for 451 yards and three touchdowns in Louisville’s upset victory over Alabama in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl.
FORMER RAIDERS ALL-PRO CENTER BARRET ROBBINS DEAD AT AGE 52: ‘DEEPLY SAD’
“We are saddened by the passing of Browning Nagle, former Fiesta Bowl MVP quarterback and Louisville great,” the Louisville football program said in a statement.
“His leadership on the field and passion for the game left a lasting mark on our program.
New York Jets quarterback Browning Nagle throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia on September 6, 1992. (Gin Ellis/Getty Images)
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones and teammates during this difficult time.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Nagle had a stint in the Arena League after stepping away from the NFL. After hanging up his cleats, Nagle pursued a career in medical sales.
