Sonny Jurgensen Passes Away at 91
Sonny Jurgensen, the legendary Hall of Fame quarterback, passed away on February 6 at the age of 91, following a short stint in hospice care.
He was not only an All-Pro but also a four-time NFL champion and an esteemed member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jurgensen’s death occurred in Naples, Florida, coinciding with the passing of his sister in 2024.
Josh Harris, Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders, expressed his thoughts in a statement. “Sonny Jurgensen was, and will forever remain, one of the iconic figures in Washington football,” Harris stated. “He made a significant impact on the game and was loved as part of our team’s identity. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sonny’s family, friends, and everyone who cherished him.”
Known for his exceptional passing ability and vibrant personality, Jurgensen captivated football fans over his career. He showcased his talent by leading the league in passing yards for multiple years—1966, 1967, and 1969. His tenure with the Washington team spanned 11 seasons, and he earned a spot on the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team.
A Wilmington, North Carolina native, Jurgensen was also a versatile player at Duke University, where he played defensive back, quarterback, and punter. Notably, he was a two-time First Team All-ACC selection and helped secure two conference titles along with the 1955 Orange Bowl.
Selected in the fourth round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, he quickly established himself, becoming the starting quarterback and setting an NFL record with 3,723 passing yards in 1961.
In 1964, Jurgensen was part of a significant trade to Washington, which included athlete Norm Sneed and Claude Crabb. His arrival was met with enthusiasm, and he soon gained recognition for his impressive throws, earning Pro Bowl honors and a second-team All-Pro selection in his debut season with the team.
Jurgensen hung up his cleats for good in 1974 at 40 years old.
His impact on the game is undeniable, with a legacy marked by various accolades including induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame, and Washington’s Ring of Fame. In 2023, the Commanders plan to retire his No. 9 jersey, making him just the fourth player in the organization’s 90-year history to receive this honor.
He is survived by his wife, Margo Hart, along with their four sons, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The specifics surrounding his passing remain private.
