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Former NFL quarterback Browning Nagle, who stood out at Louisville 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 selected the muscular quarterback in the second round. Nagle saw limited action during his rookie season, attempting only one pass, but he became a starter in 1992.
Nagle finished his tenure as the Jets’ starter with a 3-10 record and seven touchdown passes.
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Quarterback Browning Nagle of the Atlanta Falcons 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/Allsport)
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 has long been linked to Brett Favre, whom the Jets had targeted in the 1991 NFL Draft. After failing to trade, New York selected Nagle after Atlanta took Favre one pick earlier at 33rd overall.
New York Jets quarterback Browning Nagle stands on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, August 7, 1993. (George Gojkovitch/Getty Images)
A few months before entering the NFL, Nagle etched his name in college football history, throwing for 451 yards and three touchdowns in Louisville’s upset victory over Alabama in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl.
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“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.”
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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.
