Sonny Jurgensen celebrated as NFL community remembers Redskins legend

Generations of NFL fans gathered — online and in-person — this weekend to remember Sonny Jurgensen, the Washington legend known for his amazing arm and big personality. The one-of-a-kind figure — who loved behind-the-back passes, women and scotch — died Friday at the age of 91.

The Hall of Famer became a staple for legions of the District’s football fans, first for his on-field prowess before taking his trademark humor and insight into the broadcast booth, spending decades analyzing Washington’s games on the radio.

Super Bowl weekend — traditionally an opportunity for the NFL to highlight the biggest stars of the modern game — became a celebration of life for one of the sport’s most vibrant icons. Countless fans, players, coaches and broadcasters jumped on an opportunity to share their favorite Jurgensen memories. 

“Washington lost a truly iconic star with the passing of Sonny. I learned a lot about what it took to be a passer, just by watching him throw a ball,” former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann, who overlapped with Jurgensen in the 1974 season, wrote on X. “It was an honor to have had the chance to play with him.”

The younger generations of football fans didn’t have the privilege to watch Jurgensen play live. Many of them were introduced to his electric passing ability through highlights, including one viral clip that showed him toss a behind-the-back pass during a game in 1961. 

He was a prototype for Patrick Mahomes, more than 30 years before the Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback was born. Jurgensen still holds the Washington record for most touchdown passes in a season — he tossed 31 in just 14 starts in 1967.

“He could throw the football as good as anybody I’ve ever known. If he was playing today, under these rules, I’ve always said that they would still be chasing his records, that’s for sure,” former Washington quarterback Billy Kilmer said on 106.7 “The Fan.” on Friday. “He was the most accurate passer I’ve ever known.”

Despite quarterback controversies and feuds with coaches in Washington, Jurgensen’s teammates remembered him as a stand-up man. 

“Sonny Jurgensen was one of the greatest to ever line up behind center,” former Redskins running back Larry Brown wrote on social media. “More importantly, he was a great teammate and a good friend. I’m grateful I got to share the field and the locker room with him.”

Jurgensen’s off-field color — which made him a natural fit for the broadcast booth from 1981-2019 — endeared generations of fans to him.  

“There’s only one difference between Otto and me,” he once said, following a dispute with then-coach Otto Graham. “He likes candy bars and milkshakes, and I like women and scotch.”

For many fans, Jurgensen was the quintessential voice of football in the District. Those who couldn’t watch him play still cling to memories of his unique perspective on the radio, sharing stories and critiques for decades. 

“I associate him with joy,” radio commentator Danny Rouhier said. “I think about him, that broadcast, and I thin about pure, unadulterated happiness. Every Sunday watching games with my pops, listening to Sonny, Sam [Huff] and Frank [Herzog]. And they won a lot of those games.”

Jurgensen became a Hall of Famer in 1983 after an 18-year career with the Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. The Hall flew its flag at half-staff over the weekend. 

“Sonny captivated audiences and introduced generations of fans to the sport,” the Hall of Fame said in a statement. “Watching Sonny throw a football was like watching a master craftsman create a work of art.”

The Commanders finally retired Jurgensen’s No. 9 jersey in 2022. His Redskins were no more — the  of a name change in the 2020s — but Jurgensen remained as a pillar of the franchise. 

“When they told him he they were going to retire his jersey, he said, ‘Fine,’” Herzog, Jurgensen’s long-time broadcast partner, told 106.7 on Friday. “‘But I’m going down as a Redskin.’”

The Jurgensen family — which includes his wife, four sons, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren — has not announced any plans for a public memorial. The league-wide tributes were enough. 

“We are comforted by the knowledge that he brought joy to so many,” the family said in a statement. “This weekend as we enjoy the game that he loved so much, join us and raise a glass, share a story and a smile, as we celebrate the extraordinary life of a man who was, to us, the greatest of all time.”