Hall of Fame QB Sonny Jurgensen Dies at 91

Legendary Washington Commanders passer was known for his strong arm and affable personality.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Sonny Jurgensen, the Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Washington Commanders (then Redskins) for 18 seasons, has died at the age of 91. Jurgensen was considered one of the finest pure passers in NFL history, rewriting the team's record books during his time in Washington from 1964 to 1974. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

Why it matters

Jurgensen was a beloved figure in Washington football history, known for his strong arm, keen wit, and affable personality. He helped make the then-Redskins exciting and competitive again in the 1960s, leading the team to more victories in his first three seasons than the club had won in its previous six.

The details

Jurgensen arrived in Washington in 1964 in a surprise quarterback swap that sent Norm Snead to the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the next 11 seasons, Jurgensen rewrote the team's record books, topping 3,000 yards in a season five times, including twice with Philadelphia, in an era before rules changes opened up NFL offenses. He was notorious for breaking curfew and joking about his less-than-ideal physique, but more than compensated with his pinpoint passing from the pocket.

  • Jurgensen played for the Washington Commanders (then Redskins) from 1964 to 1974.
  • He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

The players

Sonny Jurgensen

A Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Washington Commanders (then Redskins) for 18 seasons, known for his strong arm, keen wit, and affable personality.

Norm Snead

The quarterback who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1964 deal that brought Jurgensen to Washington.

Josh Harris

The current controlling owner of the Washington Commanders, who grew up as a fan of the team.

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What they’re saying

“Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football.”

— Josh Harris, Controlling owner, Washington Commanders

“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.”

— Jurgensen's family

“All I ask of my blockers is 4 seconds. I try to stay on my feet and not be forced out of the pocket. I beat people by throwing, not running.”

— Sonny Jurgensen

The takeaway

Sonny Jurgensen's legacy as a Hall of Fame quarterback and beloved figure in Washington football history will endure, as he is remembered for his strong arm, keen wit, and affable personality that made him one of the most iconic players in the franchise's history.