Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen died at age 91 his family confirmed on February 6, 2026.

Jurgensen played 18 seasons in the NFL, spending his first seven years with the Philadelphia Eagles (1957-1963). He truly became a legend and earned a reputation as being one of the game’s all-time most gifted passers after being traded to Washington in 1964. He finished his career there 10 years later.

“Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football,” Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris said in a statement. “He was a brilliant leader, Hall of Fame quarterback, and had one of the best arms the game has ever seen.”

A Hall of Fame Career

Jurgensen’s election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983 recognized a career built on precision, production and pure throwing ability. His credentials were impressive for his era, which was far less friendly to the passing game than today’s NFL: 255 career touchdown passes, 32,224 passing yards and a passer rating of 82.6.

What set Jurgensen apart was his consistency. He led the NFL in passing yards five times, including a remarkable 3,747 yards in 1967 and 3,102 in 1969. In an era dominated by running backs and brutal defenses, those totals represented rarely matched offensive firepower. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and one AP All-Pro honor during his career, according to Pro Football Reference.

Jurgensen won an NFL Championship with the Eagles in 1960, though he spent much of that season backing up Norm Van Brocklin. After the trade to Washington, he became the face of the franchise, thrilling fans with his ability to throw the ball downfield with touch and accuracy. His production earned a selection to the All-1960s Team.

His 4/1 output wasn’t stellar, but his Hall of Fame case rested on more than just numbers. Jurgensen represented a shift in how the quarterback position was played. He was a pure passer who could dissect defenses and put points on the board through the air. Later in his career he split time with Billy Kilmer. He helped Washington reach Super Bowl VII following the 1972 season, but missed the game with an achilles injury.

Beyond the Field

After retiring as a player in 1974, Jurgensen remained a fixture in Washington. He moved into the broadcast booth, where his voice became synonymous with the team for generations of fans. His analysis and commentary on radio and television kept him connected to the franchise for decades, shaping how fans experienced games long after his playing days ended.

“After his career on the field, Sonny’s voice became a fixture of Washington Sundays for decades, shaping the way generations of fans experienced the game,” Harris added. “He was the embodiment of the Burgundy and Gold: tough, smart, and endlessly devoted to this franchise and its fans.”

The family expressed pride and gratitude for Jurgensen’s long life. “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,” the statement read. “But to those of us who knew him beyond the stadium lights, he was the steady, humorous and deeply loving heart of our family.”