The Washington Commanders lost a franchise icon after the team announced the passing of Sonny Jurgensen on Friday morning
The Washington Commanders took to social media on Friday morning to announce the passing of former quarterback and broadcaster Sonny Jurgensen at the age of 91.
The family released a statement confirming the news through the team.
"We are enormously proud of his amazing life and accomplishments on the field, marked not only by a golden arm, but also a fearless spirit and intellect that earned him a place among the legends in Canton. But to those of us who knew him beyond the stadium lights, he was the steady, humorous, and deeply loving heart of our family.
Jurgensen first arrived in Washington on April 1, 1964 in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Norm Snead and Claude Crabb before resetting the Redskins' records. The star quarterback would go on to be named a First Team All Pro selection in 1969 while being named to the second team twice, including his first season with the franchise. Jurgensen also became a three-time NFL passing yards leader during his time in Washington before being named to the 1960s All-Decade Team along Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas and Packers quarterback Bart Starr. His final game came during his first appearance in an NFL postseason game as the Redskins fell, 19-10, to the Los Angeles Rams.
"Whether he was standing tall in the face of an opposing lineman as a quarterback for the Eagles and Redskins for 18 seasons or later as a beloved broadcaster in Washington for several more decades, Sonny captivated audiences and introduced generations of fans to the sport," Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement. "Watching Sonny throw a football was like watching a master craftsman create a work of art."
Jurgensen is also in both the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and Commanders Ring of Fame, while the number nine was retired during the 2022 regular season finale vs. Dallas in honor of the former Super Bowl winner. He is also inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame back in 1971 before being inducted into Duke's Hall of Fame eight years later. He was then named a Pro Football Hall of Fame selection in 1983 to cement his legendary career. Across his 18 seasons in the NFL, Jurgensen was also named to five Pro Bowls while sitting second on Washington's all-time passing list.
Over his career, Jurgensen threw for 32,224 yards, 255 touchdowns and 189 interceptions while leading Washington to a winning record once Vince Lombardi arrived as head coach in 1970.
Following his playing career, Jurgensen transitioned to broadcasting where he became a color commentator with CBS, then transitioning to cover the team on radio alongside Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff. Jurgensen then served as a host on Redskins Report for 14 years beginning in 1994 before retiring ahead of the 2019 season.
At Duke, Jurgensen began on defense before transitioning into a two-way starter before blossoming into a second round selection in the 1957 NFL Draft. Jurgensen won his lone Super Bowl four seasons later after guiding Philadelphia to a 17-13 win over Green Bay to end the 1960 season.