Marty Lowe Cause of Death: Former Louisville Quarterback Dies After Battle With Stage 4 Kidney Cancer
The Louisville community is mourning the death of former University of Louisville quarterback Marty Lowe, whose football career and decades of service to young athletes left a lasting mark on the city. Lowe died peacefully on September 7, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 54, just two weeks short of his 55th birthday.
Lowe’s death was confirmed publicly by Louisville head football coach Jeff Brohm, who had been his teammate. Brohm said he visited Lowe in the hospital several weeks before his death after learning that he had been diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. Lowe later entered hospice care as his condition deteriorated.
Marty Lowe’s Louisville Football Legacy
Born September 21, 1971, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Lowe developed into a standout quarterback before joining the Louisville Cardinals. He played for Louisville from 1991 through 1995, eventually becoming one of the program’s most recognizable quarterbacks of that era.
During his Louisville career, Lowe threw for 4,861 yards and 27 touchdowns. The university previously noted that he ranked sixth in school history in passing yards at the time and recorded 2,268 passing yards and 16 touchdowns during his 1995 senior season.
Lowe also holds a special place in Louisville football history as the quarterback who started the first modern Governor’s Cup meeting between Louisville and Kentucky. He took over as Louisville’s starter in 1994 when the rivalry game returned after a lengthy hiatus.
Battle With Stage 4 Kidney Cancer
Lowe’s death came after he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer.
Brohm recalled visiting his former teammate in the hospital approximately three weeks before Lowe’s death. About a week and a half later, Lowe entered hospice care, according to Brohm’s comments reported by WLKY.
The rapid progression of his illness made his loss particularly painful for those who knew him. Friends, former teammates and members of Louisville’s football community have since shared memories of Lowe’s personality, generosity and willingness to help others.
A Life Beyond the Football Field
Although Lowe’s accomplishments as a quarterback remain an important part of his story, his published obituary emphasizes that his influence extended far beyond football.
He spent more than 17 years working as a special education teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools. He also coached hundreds of young athletes, passing on the football knowledge and enthusiasm that had defined much of his own life.
WDRB/WAVE reported that Lowe regularly coached young quarterbacks at Seneca Park, where he worked with children and teenagers simply because he wanted to help them improve. Parents and former players have remembered him for his patience, humor, smile and willingness to encourage young people.
His post-playing career also included work with Louisville football broadcasts. In 2004, the university announced that Lowe had joined WHAS Radio as a sideline reporter for Cardinal broadcasts.
Family and Friends Remember Marty Lowe
Lowe’s published obituary describes him as a loving father, dependable son and brother, patient coach and loyal friend. He is survived by his mother, Eleanor Lowe; his children, Bryce and Reece Lowe; brothers Michael and Mark; and several nieces and nephews. His father, Bobby Lowe, preceded him in death.
For Louisville football fans, Marty Lowe will be remembered for the numbers he produced and the historic games he played. For the many young athletes he coached, however, his legacy is more personal: a mentor who gave his time, shared his knowledge and encouraged them to become better players and people.
Marty Lowe’s life extended far beyond the quarterback position. Through football, education, coaching and family, he built relationships that continued long after his playing days ended. As Louisville mourns his passing, those who knew him are remembering not only the quarterback who made history but also the teacher, father, coach and friend whose impact reached generations.