A former New York Jets second-round NFL Draft pick and legendary Louisville Cardinals quarterback, Browning Nagle, has passed away.

The University of Louisville shared the news of Nagle’s death on Friday. It was reported that Nagle passed away after a battle with cancer. He was only 57 years old.

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“Sad news: Former Jets QB Browning Nagle has passed away after a cancer battle, per reports,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote. “He was 57.”

“His leadership on the field and passion for the game left a lasting mark on our program,” Louisville Football wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and teammates during this difficult time.”

The King of Louisville

Nagle first exploded onto the scene in college in 1989, his first year as a starter at Louisville. He turned heads by throwing for 2,503 yards and 16 touchdowns to 10 picks.

Nagle then really made a name for himself the following season, when he shined in the Fiesta Bowl for the Cardinals, which was the first major bowl in the school’s history.

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Louisville dominated Alabama and jumped out to a 25-point lead in the first quarter before cruising the rest of the way en route to a 34-7 victory.

Nagle completed 20-of-33 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns to one interception, earning MVP honors and capping off another impressive season.

Nagle’s NFL career

Nagle then moved on to the NFL, where he was a second-round pick of the Jets in 1991. His career didn’t pan out, but making it to the next level in and of itself was a major accomplishment.

He went on to start in 13 games over three seasons with the Jets, including a career-high 12 in 1992.

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Following his stint in New York, Nagle appeared in contests for the Indianapolis Colts (one game in 1994) and Atlanta Falcons (five games in 1996) the rest of his career.

More than just a football player

Along with his big arm, Nagle was known as a “nice guy” who was also “fun loving,” Cimini shared.

Eric Crawford of WDRB in Louisville noted that while Nagle was the hot new quarterback in town in 1987, he didn’t act like it.

Instead, Nagle was just like everyone else, with Crawford telling the story about how Nagle was playing Wiffle Ball outside with other students upon arriving at the school.

Following his NFL career, Nagle went back to Louisville and had a successful career in medical sales and raised his family with his wife, Mallie Jo.

In the annuls of Louisville history, Nagle is as prominent as anyone.