Nagle graduated from high school in West Lynn, Massachusetts before playing at the University of Nebraska. As a quarterback at Nebraska, Nagle was the statistical leader for passing yards from 1949 and 1950. He holds a career Nebraska top 25 passing record at 1,289 yards in 190 attempts with 41.6% completions and 13 touchdowns. Nagle was the 43rd pick in the fourth round National Football League draft pick as a back for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1951. In 1952 he was signed by the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League but a training camp injury ended his career.