Hall of Fame Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen Passes Away at 91
Sonny Jurgensen, a celebrated Hall of Fame quarterback, passed away at the age of 91. He is remembered as one of the most skilled pocket passers in NFL history. Jurgensen had a prolific career, particularly during his tenure with the Washington franchise.
Career Highlights
Over seven years as the primary starter for Washington, Jurgensen amassed impressive statistics. He recorded:
- 19,693 passing yards
- 160 touchdown passes
- 100 interceptions
His record-setting season in 1967 was particularly notable. He threw for 3,747 yards and led the league with 31 touchdown passes. This achievement stood until 1979, when Dan Fouts became the first player to surpass the 4,000-yard mark in a single season.
Impact on NFL Statistics
The decade following Jurgensen’s 1967 achievement saw only six players reach 3,000 yards passing. Remarkably, Jurgensen achieved this milestone again during his career.
Coaching and Team Dynamics
Jurgensen played under multiple head coaches, including the legendary Vince Lombardi. In 1969, Jurgensen led his team to its only winning season during his starting tenure. Lombardi’s untimely death in September 1970 marked a turning point in the franchise.
After Lombardi, Jurgensen continued under Bill Austin for one more season. George Allen, Jurgensen’s final coach in Washington, brought in Billy Kilmer to lead a more conservative offense starting in 1971. Jurgensen remained a valuable backup during a period of significant team success, which included four consecutive playoff appearances.
Final Years and Legacy
Jurgensen’s last game was a Divisional Round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where he stepped in for Kilmer at 40 years old. He concluded his career with:
- 32,224 passing yards
- 255 touchdown passes
- 189 interceptions
He holds the franchise record for touchdown passes in a single season and has a career high of 32 touchdowns, which still ranks among the best in Philadelphia’s history.
Although Jurgensen may not have earned the same accolades as contemporaries like Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas, his talent was widely recognized. Vince Lombardi once remarked, “He may be the best the league has ever seen. He is the best I have seen.” This legacy cements Sonny Jurgensen’s status as a legendary figure in NFL history.
