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Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen has died, his family announced in a statement released Friday by the Washington Commanders. He was 91 years old.
The cause of Jurgensen’s death is not known. He spent 11 seasons with the 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.
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Washington Redskins great Sonny Jurgensen is shown before the game against the San Diego Chargers. The introduction took place at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland on November 3, 2013. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
“We are extremely proud of his extraordinary life and accomplishments on the field, marked not only by a golden arm, but also by a fearless spirit and intellect that earned him a place among Canton legends. But for those of us who knew him beyond the stadium lights, he was the tough, humorous and deeply loving heart of our family.”
“He lived with deep gratitude for the teammates, colleagues and friends he met along the way. Even though he took his last photo, 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 1961 and 1962. In 1961, he threw for 3,723 yards with 32 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, throwing the most touchdowns and interceptions in the NFL that season.
In 1962, he totaled 3,261 yards with 22 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. His 26 interceptions are still an Eagles team record.
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Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen (9) of the Washington Redskins prepares to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during 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 passes for three seasons with the Redskins and led the NFL with most touchdown passes thrown in 1967, with 31.
After his playing career, Jurgenson moved 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 possessed one of the best weapons the game has ever seen. Following his career on the field, Sonny’s voice became a staple of Washington Sundays for decades, shaping the way generations of fans experienced the game,” Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris said in a statement.
“To me, Sonny embodied what it means to don the Burgundy and Gold: tough, smart and endlessly dedicated 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 those who loved him.”
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U.S. President George W. Bush poses with a National Football League delegation at the White House. From left, former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath; Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets; 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, 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 in the top 40 in NFL history in career passing touchdowns (255) and interceptions (189).
“We are comforted to know that he brought joy to so many. This weekend, as we enjoy 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 was, to us, the greatest of all time,” Jurgensen’s family said in the statement.
