/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2F2026%2F02%2F07150153%2F5cf84117-66ac-4b28-b0be-8b0181e4e612-1.jpg)
The world of American football is in mourning. Sonny Jurgensen, legendary NFL quarterback and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 91.
The announcement was confirmed Friday by his family through the Washington Commanders, the organization with which he made such a profound mark on history.
In an emotional statement, the Jurgensen family paid tribute to a man whose legacy extends far beyond statistics. They described Sonny Jurgensen as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, known as much for his humor and kindness as for his golden arm and intelligence on the field.
An exceptional career spanning nearly two decades
Sonny Jurgensen played 18 seasons in the NFL, from 1957 to 1974, first with the Philadelphia Eagles and then with Washington. He won an NFL championship in 1960 with the Eagles, even though he was a backup quarterback at the time.
A former player at Duke University, where he helped the Blue Devils win two ACC titles, Jurgensen quickly established himself as one of the best passers of his era. In a league largely dominated by the running game, he led the NFL in passing yards five times, notably in 1961, 1962, 1966, 1967, and 1969.
He finished his career with 32,224 passing yards and 255 touchdown passes, impressive numbers for the time. In 1967, he set a record that still stands in Washington with 31 touchdown passes in a single season.
A bold and respected style
Known for his courage in the pocket and his ability to throw passes under pressure, Sonny Jurgensen never feared opposing defenses. He defined himself as a pure quarterback, preferring to beat his rivals with precision and anticipation rather than mobility.
His style of play earned him five Pro Bowl selections, four All-Pro nominations, and a spot on the NFL's 1960s Decade Team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.
A familiar voice for generations of fans
After retiring as a player, Sonny Jurgensen remained closely connected to football. For 38 years, he served as an analyst for games broadcast in Washington, becoming an iconic voice of Sunday football until his final retirement in 2018.
His number 9 remains immortalized in Washington, a lasting symbol of an era and a player who helped shape the franchise's identity.
With the passing of Sonny Jurgensen, the NFL loses one of its most influential and respected quarterbacks, a man whose legacy will continue to resonate throughout the history of professional football.
A statement from the family of Christian A. “Sonny” Jurgensen III pic.twitter.com/vbW5bIV9xn
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 6, 2026
This content was created with the help of AI.
