Former Washington quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, a four-time All-Pro, NFL champion and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has passed away. He was 91.
“Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football,” the team said in a statement. “He was a giant of the game, and a beloved part of our team’s identity. Our hearts and prayers are with Sonny’s family, friends and everyone who loved him.”
Regarded as one of the finest pure passers in NFL history, Jurgensen ushered in a new era in Washington, delighting fans and decimating defenses with clinical throws and his uniquely entertaining style of play. During his 11 seasons with the Burgundy & Gold, Jurgensen led the league in passing yards (1966, 1967, 1969), passing touchdowns (1967), completion percentage (1970) and was named a member of the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team. By the time he retired in 1974, Jurgensen totaled 2,433 completions, 32,224 passing yards, 255 touchdowns and five 3,000-yard seasons.
A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, who showed athletic prowess from a young age, Jurgensen opted to stay close to home for college and attended Duke University. He excelled as a defensive back, quarterback and punter for the Blue Devils, earning first-team All-ACC honors twice on his way to helping Duke win multiple conference titles and the 1955 Orange Bowl.
