Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback played seven seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles (1957-1963) but is best remembered for his eleven-year stint with the Washington Redskins beginning with the 1964 season. An exceptionally accurate passer boasting a career 82.625 passer rating, Jurgensen led his teams with a combination of grit, determination, and football smarts. He dissected opposing defenses with pinpoint, last-second passes as the pocket broke down around him. "All I ask of my blockers is four seconds," he once said. "I try to stay on my feet and not be forced out of the pocket. I beat people by throwing, not running."
Vince Lombardi, when he took over the helm of the Washington Redskins in 1969, perhaps summarized Jurgensen best. "[He] is a great quarterback," the legendary coach said. "He may be the best the league has ever seen. He is the best I have seen."
Sonny Jurgensen retired in 1974 one of the best passers to ever play the game. Today, he remains a Redskin fixture, calling all of Washingtons games for local radio.
The Skinny:
- Member, Pro Football Hall of Fame
- 255 passing touchdowns (10th all time)
- 32,224 career yards passing
- Five Pro Bowls
- Won his third passing crown at age 40
The Rest of the Story:
Jurgensen played behind Hall of Fame quarterback Norm Van Brocklin for four seasons at Philadelphia. But when Van Brocklin retired after the 1960 season, all Jurgenson did was pass for an NFL record 3,723 yards and tie the record for touchdown passes with 32. He would break his own record in 1967.
