Sonny Jurgensen, whose vibrant career as a Hall of Fame quarterback and personality made him a cherished figure in Washington’s football history, has passed away at 91 years of age. The Washington Commanders confirmed the news on a Friday morning after being notified by Jurgensen's family that he died from natural causes in Naples, Florida, following a brief hospice stay.
In a family statement, they celebrated his extraordinary life and achievements, emphasizing not only his remarkable arm talent but also his fearless spirit and intellect that cemented his legacy among football legends enshrined in Canton. They reflected on his deep appreciation for the teammates, colleagues, and friends encountered over the years. Although his final snap has been completed, his impact remains an inseparable part of both the city he loved and his family.
Jurgensen's journey to Washington initiated in 1964 when a surprise quarterback trade sent Norm Snead to the Philadelphia Eagles, ushering Jurgensen into the team. Over the span of 11 seasons, he transformed the franchise’s history by setting numerous records. Notably, he surpassed 3,000 passing yards in a season five times, including twice with Philadelphia, a significant feat during a period before NFL rule changes facilitated more offensive production. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame came in 1983, and he remains the only Washington player who donned the No. 9 jersey during a game.
Josh Harris, the team’s controlling owner and lifelong fan, hailed Jurgensen as a foundational legend for Washington football. He described him as the embodiment of wearing the burgundy and gold - marked by toughness, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to the franchise and its supporters.
Over more than forty years associated with Washington, first as a quarterback and later as a broadcaster, Jurgensen became synonymous with the team and the city. Known simply as "Sonny," his persona was that of an approachable, red-headed player often portrayed with a relaxed demeanor, balanced by his sharp wit and candidness. His connection with fans remained strong, even as he enjoyed friendly camaraderie with team ownership, occasionally exemplified by sharing cigars in more informal settings.
While his tendency to break curfew and occasionally defy coaching authority was well noted, Jurgensen’s exacting skill in passing from the pocket compensated for any concerns about his physical condition. He was instrumental in revitalizing the team’s competitiveness, leading to more wins in his initial three seasons than the previous six combined. Jurgensen famously expressed a simple demand from his offensive linemen: "All I ask of my blockers is 4 seconds," emphasizing his style of outsmarting defenses through precise throws rather than mobility.
A highlight of his career was a November 28, 1965, game when Jurgensen overcame a hostile crowd reaction to lead the team from a 21-0 deficit to a 34-31 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. That performance featured 411 yards passing and three touchdowns, attesting to his prowess even in challenging circumstances. His sarcastic remarks following the win indicated his resilience and humor, also acknowledging coach Bill McPeak during a season of losing records.
Despite enduring numerous injuries, Jurgensen earned the respect of the legendary Vince Lombardi, who coached Washington to its first winning season in over a decade in 1969. Lombardi regarded him as the finest quarterback he had ever observed. However, after Lombardi’s death, Jurgensen did not develop a close working relationship with successor George Allen. The arrival of quarterback Billy Kilmer led to ongoing public debates about the preferred starter throughout Jurgensen’s late career, culminating in his retirement after the 1974 season.
Hall of Fame president Jim Porter acknowledged Jurgensen’s profound passion for football, which endured well beyond his playing years. He likened watching Jurgensen’s passing skills to observing a master artist crafting a masterpiece. Over his career, Jurgensen amassed 2,433 completions for 32,224 yards, completed 57.1% of his passes, threw 255 touchdowns against 189 interceptions, and achieved a passer rating of 82.6. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and led the NFL in passing yardage on five occasions. One of his most legendary moments includes a 99-yard touchdown pass to Gerry Allen in 1968, a record that remains unbroken.
For generations of Washingtonians who did not see him play, Jurgensen was beloved as part of the radio commentary team “Sonny, Sam and Frank,” alongside linebacker Sam Huff and announcer Frank Herzog. Their broadcasts combined humor, insight, and balanced critiques, helping maintain the connection between the team and its fans.
Jurgensen also became a valued mentor within the organization, notably supporting quarterback Gus Frerotte during the competition for the starting role in the mid-1990s. After Daniel Snyder purchased the franchise in 1999, Jurgensen’s role expanded to include being part of the owner’s inner circle, where he enjoyed privileged access to team practices and a close relationship with the front office, yet retained his frankness in assessing team decisions and quarterback performances. He often expressed nostalgia for the era when quarterbacks had autonomy to call plays on the field.
Born Christian Adolph Jurgensen III on August 23, 1934, in Wilmington, North Carolina, he was a standout two-way player at Duke University. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 1957 NFL Draft, Jurgensen initially served as a backup to Norm Van Brocklin until becoming the starter in 1961, when he led the league in passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. His trade to Washington in 1964 came as a surprise, even to him, with the announcement coinciding with April Fool’s Day, initially making him skeptical of the news.