Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen Dies At 91
Family and the Washington Commanders said Jurgensen died of natural causes in Naples after a brief hospice stay.
Overview
Christian Adolph 'Sonny' Jurgensen III, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, died Feb. 6, 2026, at 91 in Naples, Florida, the Washington Commanders confirmed Friday, saying family reported natural causes after a brief hospice stay.
Jurgensen spent 11 seasons with Washington and finished his NFL career with 2,433 completions for 32,224 yards and 255 touchdown passes, Hall of Fame records show.
Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris called Jurgensen "one of the defining legends of Washington football" in a statement Friday.
Jurgensen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983, was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and led the league in passing yards five times, Hall of Fame records show.
The family asked fans to celebrate his life this weekend as they finalize private funeral arrangements and said he is survived by his wife Margo Hurt, four sons, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Jurgensen's death as a celebratory, nostalgic tribute, using laudatory language, privileging family, team and Hall of Fame voices while omitting critical perspectives. Sources foreground career stats, signature games and affectionate anecdotes; quoted remarks emphasize warmth and legend, reinforcing a collective heroic narrative rather than a balanced critique.
Sources (6)
FAQ
Jurgensen was a Pro Football Hall of Famer (1983), five-time Pro Bowl selection, led the NFL in passing yards five times, threw for 32,224 yards and 255 touchdowns, and won three NFL passing titles.
He played for the Philadelphia Eagles early in his career and then spent 11 seasons with the Washington Redskins/Commanders after being traded in 1964.
Managing partner Josh Harris called Jurgensen 'one of the defining legends of Washington football' in a statement.
He is survived by his wife Margo Hurt, four sons, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The family asked fans to celebrate his life this weekend as they finalize private funeral arrangements.
History
3 sources