2-08-2026 6:57pm

Washington Redskins Great Sony Jurgensen Passed Away at 91.

John Williams Editor

Photo by B Bennett

By John Williams
Editor
Spotsylvania Gazette

Back before the Commanders, Ravens, Steelers Nation, and the Carolina Panthers to the south most Fans were Redskins Fans. Redskins Nation started in the early 70s with Coach George Allen and the “Over The Hill Gang” and their journey to Super Bowl eventually losing to the 17-0 Miami Dolphins. The Quarterbacks that year were Billy Kilmer and Sonny Jurgenson. They remained life long friends.

Photo by the Quarterback Connection

New York Times

Sonny Jurgenson III was born August 23, 1934 in Wilmington NC. He died February 6, 2026 in Maples FL.

After attending New Hamilton High School and Duke University he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. He played QB for the Eagles from 1957-1964. In 1960 he led them to the NFL Championship over Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers.

Photo by The Philly Voice

Sonny was traded in 1964 to the Redskins and remained with them until 1974. He was the NFL passing leader a number of times in the 60’s and 1974. He was a member of the NFL All Decade Team.

Vince Lombardi joined the team in 1969 for one season before he died. They work very well together and they developed a great friendship together. Lombardi said he that Sonny was the best Quarterback he had ever seen.

Forbes

After his retirement in 1974 Sonny joined former linebacker Sam Huff, and long time radio broadcaster Frank Herzog as the voice of the Redskins. They remained together for 20 years chronicling the 3 Super Bowls Coach Joe Gibbs won for the Redskins.

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For his efforts on the field he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and a member of the Redskin Ring of Honor.

Pro Football Hall of Fame

He was a beloved member of the Redskins family long after his playing days and years in the broadcast booth. He did commentary on NFL games for CBS and was frequently a commentator on Channel 4 in Washington.