Sonny Jurgensen, Hall of Fame quarterback and Washington sports icon, dies at age 91

Washington D.C. has lost one of its most beloved football icons, Sonny Jurgensen, who passed away at the age of 91. The Hall of Fame quarterback, known for his strong arm, wit, and affable personality, was a staple in Washington Redskins history.

For over four decades, Jurgensen left an indelible mark on the franchise, rewiring its record books with his pinpoint passing from the pocket. He led the team to numerous victories, earning the respect of fans and teammates alike. Despite being known for breaking curfew and joking about his less-than-ideal physique, Jurgensen remained a fan favorite.

Jurgensen's most memorable moment came on November 28, 1965, when he rallied Washington from a 21-0 deficit to a thrilling 34-31 win over the Dallas Cowboys. His 411-yard performance and three touchdowns will forever be etched in Redskins history books.

A two-way star at Duke University, Jurgensen was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1957 and eventually made his way to Washington D.C. in 1964. He became a beloved figure not only on the field but also as a broadcaster, part of the popular radio trio "Sonny, Sam, and Frank." His wit and humor entertained fans for generations.

As a member of George Allen's defense-minded team, Jurgensen struggled to find his footing. However, he continued to thrive in the 1970s, leading the franchise to several winning seasons. After retiring as a player, Jurgensen remained an unofficial confidant-at-large around the organization, often speaking his mind and questioning coaching decisions.

The Washington Commanders shared a statement from Jurgensen's family on social media, calling him the "steady, humorous, and deeply loving heart of our family." Controlling owner Josh Harris aptly described Sonny as "the embodiment of what it means to don the burgundy and gold: tough, smart, and endlessly devoted to this franchise and its fans."

As news of Jurgensen's passing spread, tributes poured in from around the nation. His legacy will forever be tied to Washington D.C.'s football history, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of Redskins players. Despite leaving an indelible mark on the team, Sonny Jurgensen remains a beloved figure in the hearts of Redskins fans everywhere.
 
🤔 So sad to hear about Sonny Jurgensen's passing... 91 years young is no joke 🙏. I mean, this guy was like a legend on and off the field 🏈. His wit and humor were just as iconic as his passes 🔵💪. It's amazing how he left such an indelible mark on the franchise despite struggling to find his footing under Coach Allen 😊. And can we talk about that comeback win against the Cowboys in 65? 🤯 411 yards and 3 TDs... what a performance! 🎉 Anyways, it's clear why Jurgensen was so beloved by fans and teammates alike ❤️. His legacy will live on through the Commanders and future generations of Redskins players 👏. Rest in peace, Sonny 🙌
 
😔 just heard about Sonny Jurgensen's passing 🙏 he was an all-time legend on the field and off 💪 his wit and humor were infectious , always made me laugh 😂 but it's not just his playing days that made him special - he had this way of connecting with fans like no other , making you feel like part of a bigger family 👫 i'm so grateful to have grown up watching him play for the Redskins 🐻 his legacy will live on in our nation's capital forever 💕
 
😢🏈 just heard about Sonny Jurgensen's passing at 91 🤯 he was such an iconic figure in Washington D.C. football history 🙌 I remember listening to his radio show with Sam & Frank 📻 back in the day, and how entertaining he was 😂 his wit & humor are still contagious even now 👍 what struck me most is how beloved he was off the field too ❤️ not just a great player but an amazing person who inspired generations of fans 💖 #RIPSonnyJurgensen #FootballLegend #WashingtonRedskins
 
You know what's crazy? This whole thing got me thinking about how much politicians would've loved having a football icon like Sonny Jurgensen on their side. I mean, can you imagine if any of them had his charisma and wit? They'd totally be winning elections in no time! 🤣 And think about it, he was a bit of a rebel, breaking curfew and joking about his physique... that's like the modern-day politician who dares to challenge the status quo. But here's the thing, Sonny wasn't just about being a rebel, he was also about loyalty - to his team, his family, and his fans. That's what we should be looking for in our leaders too, not just some flashy PR campaign or a clever tweet.

And let's talk about the Washington Commanders' ownership structure... with Josh Harris at the helm, you can bet they're gonna keep trying to "embodiment" that burgundy and gold spirit. But it's interesting to note how his team is handling Sonny Jurgensen's passing - releasing a statement from his family and all that. It's like they want to make sure everyone knows how much he meant to them, not just as a player or a broadcaster, but as a representative of the franchise. Sounds like some good old-fashioned PR to me! 📰
 
man this is just great another old guy bites the dust and everyone's all sentimental about it 🙄 like we're gonna miss him or something he was good at his job back in the day but now he's just a memory what's next gonna be some retro parade or something? 91 years young, nice try sonny but you were still old even when you died 😴
 
🏈😔 I gotta say, this is like the ultimate example of how politicians can't even get it right when it comes to their own legacy. Sonny Jurgensen was more than just a football player - he was a symbol of leadership and dedication to his team and fans. And now that he's gone, we're seeing all these tributes and statements from people who aren't even in the same league as him 🤣.

But seriously though, Josh Harris saying Sonny is "the embodiment of what it means to don the burgundy and gold" just sounds like a scripted PR statement to me. Can he really claim that? I mean, Sonny was more than just a face - he was a leader who inspired his teammates and fans alike. 🤔

And let's talk about this "steady, humorous, and deeply loving heart of our family" thing... it sounds like someone is trying to spin a narrative here. Did Jurgensen really live up to that description? Or was it just a PR line designed to make him sound more palatable to the fans? 🤷‍♂️

Anyway, Sonny Jurgensen may be gone, but his legacy lives on - and I'm sure politicians would do well to take notes on how he handled himself with class and humility. 💯
 
Another legendary sports icon gone 🏈💔. I mean, can't believe Sonny Jurgensen has finally left us at 91 😮. Four decades with the Redskins and what a mark he left on that team! The guy was a total boss on the field with that strong arm of his 💪, but let's not forget about his humor off the field 🤣. Who can forget "Sonny, Sam, and Frank" radio show? Classic stuff! 📻.

But seriously, I'm so grateful for the stories he shared as a broadcaster, keeping us entertained all these years 📺. His love for the game was pure, and that's what makes his passing so hard to accept 😔. The Commanders are already paying tribute, but I think we can all agree, Sonny will forever be in our hearts ❤️. Rest in peace, legend 👊
 
Man what a legend! 91 years young and still crushing it... I mean passing away 🤕😢. Sonny Jurgensen was more than just a quarterback, he was a true icon in Washington D.C.'s football history. His wit and humor off the field are still making fans laugh to this day 😂. The way he rallied that team from 21-0 down to win against Dallas is still giving me goosebumps 🐓. He's definitely one of those guys you can never replace, but his memory will live on through the Commanders and their loyal fanbase ❤️. Rest in peace, Sonny 👍
 
RIP Sonny Jurgensen 🙏🏽😢 He was one of those legends that made football more than just a game, you know? I mean, who can forget that crazy comeback against the Cowboys in '65? 411 yards and 3 TDs... what a performance! 😲 Anyway, it's sad to see him go, but his legacy will live on through all the amazing memories he created for Redskins fans. And let's be real, his humor and wit were part of what made him so lovable 🤣. I'm sure we'll still hear about him in the years to come, even as a broadcaster. He was that kind of guy who transcended the sport. So, here's to you Sonny - thanks for all the laughs and wins, dude! 👍
 
I gotta disagree with all the fanfare 🤔. I mean, don't get me wrong, Sonny was cool and all, but overrated? I think so 😒. He's got like 11 rings or something, big deal 🤷‍♂️. I've seen way more exciting games in Madden on my Xbox. And what's with all the nostalgia vibes? It's just football, folks 🏈. Let's not forget the real heroes: the guys who actually make a difference off the field 💪. Jurgensen might've been witty and charming, but he was still just a football player 🤦‍♂️. Give it up for the real legends, you know? 👊
 
Man 🤕 this is so sad... Sonny Jurgensen was like a legend on and off the field 👏 He played with such heart and wit, always cracking jokes even when things weren't going his way 😂 And that game against Dallas in '65? Unbelievable! The comeback story for the ages 💥 It's crazy to think he started at Duke as a two-way star 🤯 and went on to have so many memorable moments in Washington D.C. He was more than just a player, though - he was like an unofficial ambassador for the team ❤️ Even after retiring, he stayed involved with the organization, always keeping it real 💬 It's clear why Josh Harris called him the embodiment of what it means to be a Redskins fan 🎨 The guy had class and humility in spades, and his legacy will live on forever 👍
 
He passed away at 91, yeah that's impressive for a guy who was basically a old football legend 😒. I mean, he played for like, forever... or at least four decades, which is still pretty long for an NFL player. Sonny Jurgensen left his mark on the franchise, but not as much as some of those superstars we're all obsessed with nowadays 🙄. Still, he was a fan fave, and who can blame 'em? He was witty, charming, and had some sick throwing arm 🔥. And that one game against the Cowboys... iconic 🔴️. Anyway, I guess it's time to put Sonny Jurgensen in his rightful place in football history 🏈💫.
 
😞 just heard about Sonny Jurgensen passin away at 91... so sad! 🤕 he was such an iconic figure in DC sports history, and his legacy will never be forgotten 💫 i remember listenin to him on the radio with Sam & Frank 😂 those guys were hilarious! anyways, it's crazy how much of an impact one person can have on a team & community... Sonny may've had his quirks, but he was definitely a fan favorite 🙌 rest in peace, dude 👊
 
RIP Sonny 🤕... cant believe he's gone at 91 😱... always loved his personality & sense of humor 💼... those late nights breaking curfew 🕰️ were legendary, but it was his football skills that made him a true legend on the field 🏈... remember watching old games with my dad and thinking "wow, this guy is special" 👍... still get goosebumps thinking about that epic comeback against Dallas in '65 🙌... hope his legacy lives on through the Commanders and their fans 💛
 
RIP sonny! 😊 He's still got it though, even in death. That comeback against the Cowboys is LEGENDARY 🏈🔥 Still gives me chills thinking about that 411-yard game. Sonny was more than just a quarterback, he was a symbol of what makes Redskins fans tick - that unique blend of toughness and humor 😂. I remember listening to him with Sam & Frank back in the day... good times! 📻 As they say, you can take the player outta Duke but you can't take Duke outta Sonny 💪 What's gonna be done to honor his memory? He deserves a statue in the Ring of Honor, for sure 🏆
 
I'm so sorry to hear about Sonny's passing 🤕. He was more than just a football legend, he had this aura that made you want to root for him even when he was being goofy about his old days on the field 😂. I always loved how he'd crack jokes and poke fun at himself, it made you forget you were watching sports, you know? As someone who grew up listening to him broadcast with Sam and Frank 📻, I'll miss that iconic voice and wit. He may not have been the most conventional leader on the field, but he had a way of bringing people together, both on and off the field 💚. The Commanders are lucky to have had someone like Sonny as part of their family, and his memory will live on in our hearts ❤️.
 
🙏 sonny jurgensen was defo one of a kind 🤣 i mean his story is so inspiring from being a two-way star at duke to becoming a legend in washington dc football history 💪 he had that iconic come back game vs the cowboys 📺 and let's be real his broadcasting skills were 🔥 who else could make sports radio entertaining? 🎙️ it's crazy to think he was more than just a player, but also a confidant to the team & owner 💬 his legacy will live on in washington dc's football history for generations to come 🏈💕
 
Just heard about the passing of Sonny Jurgensen 🤕... what a legend! That comeback against the Cowboys in '65 was insane 🤯 411 yards and 3 TDs? mind blown 💥 He was more than just a football player, he had that special charm and wit that made him a fan fave 😂. I loved how he remained an unofficial part of the team even after retirement 🙏... what a class act! The Commanders are lucky to have had him as part of their history 💛
 
omg i just found out about sonny jurgensen's passing 🤕 he was literally one of my all time favorite QBs and i grew up listening to him play for the skins on tv with my dad lol we would always laugh at his jokes and antics after the game he was def a true original and i'm so grateful to have had a glimpse into his life through radio appearances and interviews with sam and frank 🙏 as for me, it's weird to think that someone who was known for breaking curfew was also super witty and funny 😂 my dad is actually really sad about this but we're all gonna miss him forever 💔
 
Back
Top