Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, who has held franchise passing records for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders for more than five decades, has died at the age of 91.
Jurgensen’s family announced his death in a statement released by the Commanders on Friday.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Sonny Jurgensen,” the family said. “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 greats in Canton.”
A statement from the family of Christian A. “Sonny” Jurgensen III pic.twitter.com/vbW5bIV9xn
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 6, 2026
Jurgensen spent the majority of his 18-year career in Washington, joining the team in 1964 in a surprise quarterback swap that sent Norm Snead to Philadelphia. Jurgensen would make four of his five Pro Bowls in Washington while leading the NFL in passing three times, and his 31 passing touchdowns in 1967 remains a single-season franchise record.
In Philadelphia, where he played from 1957 to 1963, Jurgensen was a starter for three seasons, beginning in 1961, and led the NFL in passing twice. He set a franchise record with 32 passing touchdowns in 1961, which stood until Carson Wentz passed him with 33 in 2017.
Jurgensen was a backup quarterback in 1960 when the Eagles won the NFL title — the team’s last championship prior to its Super Bowl LII victory. His 26 interceptions in 1962 remains an Eagles team record.
He ranks in the top 40 in NFL history in career passing touchdowns (255) and interceptions (189). He topped 3,000 yards in a season five times, including twice with Philadelphia, in an era before rules changes opened up NFL offenses and finished with 32,224 career passing yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and is in both the Eagles’ hall of fame and Washington’s ring of fame and remains the only Washington player to wear the No. 9 jersey in a game.
Following his playing career, Jurgensen spent 38 years as an analyst on Washington broadcasts before announcing his retirement in August 2018.
“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. … Our hearts and prayers are with Sonny’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him.”
Jurgensen had an accomplished college career at Duke, helping the Blue Devils to ACC titles in 1954 and 1955 while playing quarterback and defensive back.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
