Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Christian "Sonny" Jurgensen has passed away at the age of 91, his family has announced in a statement.
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"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Sonny Jurgensen," the family said in a statement relayed by the Washington Commanders.
"We are enormously proud of his amazing life and accomplishments on the field, marked not only by a golden arm, but also a fearless spirit and intellect that earned him a place among the legends in Canton. But to those of us who knew him beyond the stadium lights, he was the steady, humorous, and deeply loving heart of our family.
"He lived with deep appreciation for the teammates, colleagues, and friends he met along the way," the statement continued. "While he has taken his final snap, his legacy will remain an indelible part of the city he loved and the family he built.
"We are comforted by the knowledge that he brought joy to so many. 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."
A fourth-round pick in the 1957 NFL Draft, Jurgensen started his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent seven seasons in the City of Brotherly Love and earned one trip to the Pro Bowl while going 17-20-2. He also earned his first All-Pro nod during the 1961 season after leading the league with 3,723 passing yards and 32 touchdowns.
He also won a championship with the Eagles. Norm Van Brocklin started all 12 games, but Jurgensen threw for 486 yards and five touchdowns while getting some on-field action.
Jurgensen's career truly took off from a statistical standpoint when he headed to Washington for the 1960 season and beyond. He spent 11 years with the team now known as the Commanders while earning four more trips to the Pro Bowl.
He led the league in passing yards three times (1966-1967, 1969) and completions three times. He led the league in touchdowns in 1967. Jurgensen went 52-51-5 as a starter for the Commanders.
"Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football," the team said. "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."
