Former New York Jets QB Browning Nagle dies at 57

Drafted No. 34 overall in the 1991 NFL draft (Round 2), the Jets viewed Nagle as having the potential to hold down the franchise quarterback role. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan a year later.

Although long-time gunslinger Ken O’Brien was still rostered, then-head coach Bruce Coslet gave the starting nod to Nagle ahead of the 1992 season. In that preseason, the sophomore professional played tremendously, leading the Jets to a 5-0 record.

Nagle finished with 7 touchdowns and 2,280 passing yards on 49.6 percent passing, while throwing 17 interceptions in 13 games started (14 games played). The 4-12 Jets were unable to improve upon their miraculous 8-8 playoff season in 1991.

Nagle stuck with the Jets for another season, appearing in three games in 1993 (as Boomer Esiason’s backup), before moving on to the Indianapolis Colts in 1994 and Atlanta Falcons in 1996. He started just one more game following the 1992 season — a spot start in 1994 for the Colts.

All told, Nagle compiled 2,489 passing yards and 8 touchdowns to 20 interceptions in his five-year NFL career.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Nagle initially attended West Virginia before transferring to the previously mentioned Louisville Cardinals. Current Cards’ head coach Jeff Brohm, who was Nagle’s teammate for two seasons (1989-1990), expressed his love after hearing the news.

No matter how his professional career shook out, Browning Nagle will forever own his slice of New York Jets history.