Hall of Fame QB Sonny Jurgensen Dies at 91

Sonny Jurgensen, the Hall of Fame quarterback renowned for his powerful arm and leadership during an 18-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington, has died at age 91. The Washington Commanders announced the news Friday, confirming they learned of his passing that morning from his family. No cause of death was disclosed.

Jurgensen, born Christian Adolph Jurgensen III on August 23, 1934, in Wilmington, North Carolina, emerged as one of the league's premier passers after starring at Duke University, where he played quarterback and defensive back. Selected by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 1957 NFL draft, he spent his first four seasons as a backup, including on the 1960 championship team. He took over as starter in 1961, leading the NFL with 3,723 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, both league records at the time, while earning his first Pro Bowl nod and helping Philadelphia claim the NFL title.

Traded to Washington before the 1964 season in exchange for quarterback Norm Snead and end Claude Crabb, Jurgensen revitalized the franchise's offense. Over 11 seasons, he led the NFL in passing yards three times, in 1966, 1967 and 1969, and in touchdowns once, in...