Browning Nagle obit

Louisville football legend Browning Nagle dies

 

He was not on the list.

Former Louisville quarterback Browning Nagle died on Friday following a bout with colon cancer. He was 57-years-old.

Nagle, who played two seasons at West Virginia before transferring to U of L, was the quarterback of Louisville’s 1990 team, one of the best in school history. He led the Cardinals to a 10-1-1 record and was named the MVP of U of L’s 34-7 Fiesta Bowl trouncing of Alabama. He threw for a Fiesta Bowl record 451 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

After college, Nagle was taken 34th overall by the New York Jets in the 1991 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Jets before playing two seasons each with the Indianapolis Colts and the Atlanta Falcons.

Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm, who became U of L’s starting QB after Nagle’s graduation, shared some thoughts about the news on Twitter.

Nagle’s wife, Michelle, also posted on Instagram about his passing.

Nagle was selected No. 34 overall by the Jets in the 1991 NFL Draft, directly after Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre as a potential heir to Ken O'Brien under center.

He played three seasons with New York and was the team's Week 1 starter in 1992. He went 3-10 that campaign with 2,280 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 17 interceptions, after which he sat behind Boomer Esiason during the '93 season.

"Browning was a great guy," Esiason said Friday, per the team website. "He had an infectious laugh and was so much fun to be around. We often competed against each other while also showing respect for one another. I will always remember the laughter and infectious spirit Browning had and how much he enjoyed out-driving me on the golf course. May he rest in peace knowing he lived an impactful life."

Following his release from the Jets in 1994, Nagle spent a season as a backup with the Indianapolis Colts, for whom he went 1-0, and two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Nagle's brief NFL career was preceded by three seasons spent at Louisville, where he started two years and was named the 1991 Fiesta Bowl Most Valuable Player after leading the Cardinals to a 34-7 victory over Alabama during his final collegiate game.

"We are saddened by the passing of Browning Nagle, former Fiesta Bowl MVP quarterback and Louisville great," the University of Louisville said in a statement released on social media. "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."

Nagle played a season each for the Orlando Predators and Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League from 1999-2000, throwing for 74 touchdowns.

Nagle began his college career at West Virginia University the same year as Major Harris. When it became clear that West Virginia would go with Harris and an option offense, Nagle transferred to the University of Louisville and played for Howard Schnellenberger.