Everyone associated with the Washington Commanders was in deep mourning following the sad passing of Sonny Jurgensen, one of the greatest players in franchise history.
The team announced that Jurgensen had died at the age of 91. The All-Pro, NFL champion, and Pro Football Hall of Fame member leaves a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.
It took Washington a long time to find an adequate replacement for the legendary Sammy Baugh. Jurgense was precisely that after arriving in D.C. from the Philadelphia Eagles in 1964. The rest, as they say, is history.
Commanders mourn the extremely sad passing of Sonny Jurgensen
Jurgensen quickly became beloved by the fans and revered by his teammates. He remains one of the most underrated pure passers the league has ever seen. Astatement from the team after his passing said it best: he was a true giant.
"Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football. He was a giant of the game, and a beloved part of our team's identity. Our hearts and prayers are with Sonny's family, friends and everyone who loved him."Washington Commanders statement
Jurgensen, famous for his three-quarter windmill release, came of age in Washington. He was always highly talented, dating back to his days in Philadelphia. Once the interceptions came down and the weapons — Charley Taylor, Bobby Mitchell, and Jerry Smith — got into their groove, his meteoric rise wasn't too far behind.
The 1957 fourth-round pick completed 58 percent of his passes in Washington, accumulating 22,585 passing yards and 179 touchdowns in 11 seasons. Jurgensen was routinely in the MVP conversation and earned five Pro Bowl selections. He was also named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1960s, a testament to his outstanding contributions that stand the test of time.
Washington rightfully retired Jurgensen's No. 9 jersey during the 2022 season. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 1983, and those who were fortunate enough to see him play in the famous burgundy and gold still talk about his outstanding credentials with great fondness.
The word legend is thrown around too much these days. But in Jurgensen's case, it's more than justified. It was a long, storied, and accomplished life. The Washington football community is richer for having him, and it is a little emptier now that he's gone.
Jurgensen was an icon, a transcendent force, and the definition of what a franchise great should be. That, above all else, is how he should be remembered by Washington's passionate fan base.