NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen has died, his family announced in a statement released by the Washington Commanders on Friday. He was 91.
Jurgensen’s cause of death is unknown. He spent 11 seasons with the then Washington Redskins and seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our husband, father and grandfather, Sonny Jurgensen,” Jurgensen’s family said in a statement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Washington Redskins great Sonny Jurgensen is introduced before action against the San Diego Chargers. The induction took place at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland on November 3, 2013. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
“We are immensely proud of his amazing life and accomplishments on the field, characterized not only by a golden arm, but also by a fearless spirit and intellect that earned him a place among the legends of Canton. But to those of us who knew him beyond the stadium lights, he was the steadfast, humorous and deeply loving heart of our family.”
“He lived with deep appreciation for the teammates, colleagues and friends he met along the way. While he has taken his last snap, his legacy will remain an indelible part of the city he loved and the family he built.”
Jurgenson began his career with the Eagles and was a starter for three seasons. He led the NFL in passing yards in both 1961 and 1962. In 1961, he threw for 3,723 yards with 32 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, the most touchdowns and interceptions in the NFL that season.
In 1962, he threw for 3,261 yards with 22 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. His 26 interceptions are still an Eagles team record.
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY REFLECTS ON 2025 SUCCESS AFTER INJURY TROUBLED 2024 SEASON: ‘JUST THANK GOD’
Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen (9) of the Washington Redskins lines up to pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the 1974 NFC Divisional playoff game. The Rams defeated the Redskins 19-10 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on December 22, 1974. (Nate Fine/Getty Images)
With Washington, Jurgenson made four of his five career Pro Bowls. He led the NFL in passing in three seasons with the Redskins and led the NFL in most touchdown passes thrown in 1967, with 31.
After his playing career, Jurgenson went to the team’s broadcast booth and spent 38 seasons as an analyst before retiring in August 2018.
“Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football. He was a brilliant leader, Hall of Fame quarterback, and had one of the best arms the game has ever seen. After his career on the field, Sonny’s voice became a staple of Washington Sundays for decades, shaping the way generations of fans said Josh commanders officiating a partner game,” Harris said.
“To me, Sonny was the embodiment of what it means to wear the Burgundy and Gold: tough, smart and endlessly devoted to this franchise and its fans. He was a giant of the game and a beloved part of our team’s identity. Our hearts and prayers go out to Sonny’s family, friends and all who loved him.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
US President George W. Bush poses with a delegation from the National Football League at the White House. From left are former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson; the executive director of the NFL Players Association; Bush; NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue; Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder; and former Washington Redskins quarterback Sonny Jurgensen in the Oval Office in Washington, District of Columbia, on September 2, 2003. (LUKE FRAZZA/AFP via Getty Images)
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983. Jurgensen is in the Commanders’ Ring of Honor and the Eagles’ Hall of Fame.
Jurgensen ranks among the top 40 in NFL history in career passing touchdowns (255) and interceptions (189).
“We are comforted by the knowledge that he brought joy to so many. On this weekend of enjoying the game he loved so much, join us and raise a glass, share a story and a smile as we celebrate the extraordinary life of a man who, to us, was the greatest ever,” Jurgensen’s family said in the release.
