Browning Nagle, Jets
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Former New York Jets quarterback Browning Nagle trying to make a play during an NFL game.
Former New York Jets quarterback Browning Nagle “died this week after a battle with colon cancer. He was 57,” Michael Blinn of the New York Post wrote.
Nagle entered the league as the No. 34 overall pick in the second round of the 1991 NFL draft. He spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Jets (1991-93).
During that run, he appeared in 18 games and made 13 starts. He finished with a 3-10 record as a starting QB for the green and white. Nagle completed 49.4% of his passes, threw for 2,361 passing yards, and had a seven touchdown to 17 interception ratio.
Before becoming a pro, Nagle spent four years in college at West Virginia and Louisville. During his collegiate run, Nagle completed 55.7% of his passes, threw for 4,653 passing yards, and had a 32 touchdown to 21 interception ratio.
“He led the Cardinals to a 1991 Fiesta Bowl win over Alabama in which he posted a program-record 451 yards and three touchdowns, earning MVP honors for his efforts,” Blinn wrote.
Tributes Pour in for Nagle After His Passing
“Sad news: Former Jets QB Browning Nagle has passed away after a cancer battle, per reports. He was 57. A second-round pick in ‘91, following a huge Fiesta Bowl performance for @LouisvilleFB. Started the ‘92 season for the Jets. A nice guy. Fun loving. One of the best arms I’ve ever seen,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini posted.
Rich Cimini
Sad news: Former Jets QB Browning Nagle has passed away after a cancer battle, per reports. He was 57. A second-round pick in ‘91, following a huge Fiesta Bowl performance for @LouisvilleFB. Started the ‘92 season for the #Jets. A nice guy. Fun loving. One of the best arms I’ve
“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,” the official Louisville Football account wrote.
Louisville Football
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.
“Condolences to the family, friends and former teammates of Browning Nagle who passed away. Browning was a 2nd Rd pick of the Jets in 1991 and spent 3 seasons here. Rest in peace Browning,” the New York Jets History X account wrote.
New York Jets History
Condolences to the family, friends and former teammates of Browning Nagle who passed away. Browning was a 2nd Rd pick of the Jets in 1991 and spent 3 seasons here.
Rest in peace Browning
“Took over the QB reins to begin 1992. Had one of the best starting debuts ever for a Jets QB against the Falcons at the old Georgia Dome. So sad to hear. R.I.P,” ESPN New York radio host Dan Graca said on social media.
Took over the QB reigns to begin 1992. Had one of the best starting debuts ever for a #Jets QB against the Falcons at the old Georgia Dome. So sad to hear. R.I.P. https://t.co/mI2D0Ut8bt
— Dan Graca (@DanGraca) April 10, 2026
Looking at the Rest of Nagle’s Career in Football
Ahead of the 1994 season, the Jets parted ways with Nagle.
Nagle found a new home with the Indianapolis Colts. He was a third-string backup quarterback behind Jim Harbaugh and Don Majkowski, Blinn wrote.
However, Nagle got his shot to start for the Colts in the regular season finale in Week 16 on December 24, 1994, against the Buffalo Bills.
Who was the starting QB for the Bills that day on the other side of the field? Current Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
That was the last time Nagle saw the field until 1996, when he appeared in five games for the Atlanta Falcons in what Blinn described as “mop-up duty.”
“He resurfaced in the Arena Football League, tossing 74 touchdown passes with the Orlando Predators after signing with them in 1999,” Blinn wrote in a column for the New York Post.