NFL Champion & Hall of Fame Quarterback Passes Away

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.”

Sonny Jurgensen’s death now makes it at least four former NFL players dying just this year.

More On Sonny Jurgensen’s Life Before His Untimely Death

Sonny Jurgensen is being remembered for the good times following his death on Friday. A Washington Commanders spokesperson confirmed Friday the team learned of Jurgensen’s death that morning from his family.

Jurgensen arrived in Washington in 1964 in a surprise quarterback swap. It sent Norm Snead to the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the next 11 seasons, Jurgensen rewrote the team’s record books, per Wikipedia. He would make four of his five Pro Bowls in Washington while leading the NFL in passing three times.

His 31 passing touchdowns in 1967 remain a single-season franchise record. In Philadelphia, where he played from 1957 to 1963, Jurgensen was a starter for three seasons. He led the NFL in passing twice. Jurgensen set a franchise record with 32 passing touchdowns in 1961, which stood until Carson Wentz passed him with 33 in 2017.

He was the backup quarterback in 1960 when the Eagles won the NFL title. That was their last title until the team finally won another one in 2018 and then in 2025. His 26 interceptions in 1962 remain an Eagles team record.

Sonny Jurgensen was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.