Sonny Jurgensen, a legendary American football quarterback, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983. He began his illustrious career as a fourth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1957, selected as the 43rd overall pick. Over the course of 18 seasons, he played for both the Eagles (1957-1963) and the Washington Redskins (1964-1974), participating in a total of 218 games, with 83 for Philadelphia and 135 for Washington.
During his early years with the Eagles, Jurgensen served as a backup to Bobby Thompson in 1957 and Norm van Brocklin from 1958 to 1960 before earning the starting role in 1961. A pivotal moment occurred on April 1, 1964, when he was traded to the Washington Redskins in exchange for QB Norm Snead and CB Claude Crabb, marking a significant turning point in his career.
Sonny Jurgensen's talent and achievements on the field were nothing short of extraordinary. He secured five NFL individual passing titles in the years 1961, 1962, 1966, 1967, and 1969, establishing himself as one of the league's premier passers. Notably, he led the NFL in passing touchdowns twice (1961 and 1967), pass completions four times (1961, 1966, 1967, and 1969), and pass attempts three times (1966, 1967, and 1969). In 1967, Jurgensen also earned the distinction of leading the NFL in passer rating.
A record-breaking moment came on September 15, 1968, when Jurgensen, with a 99-yard pass completion to Gerry Allen, set an NFL record for the longest pass completion. Throughout his career, he achieved remarkable milestones, surpassing 3,000 yards in five seasons, 300 yards in 25 games, and 400 yards in five games. His consistent excellence earned him five Pro Bowl selections in the years 1961, 1964, 1966, 1967, and 1969.
Jurgensen's impact extended beyond individual accolades, as he was a key contributor to the success of his teams. He played a crucial role in helping the Philadelphia Eagles secure the 1960 NFL championship. Additionally, as a member of the Washington Redskins, he participated in four playoff teams during his tenure.
Beyond his passing prowess, Jurgensen showcased his versatility on the field, accumulating 493 rushing yards with 15 touchdowns. His remarkable abilities in clutch moments were evident through 18 fourth-quarter comebacks and 14 game-winning drives throughout his professional career.
By the time of his retirement, Sonny Jurgensen had etched his name as the NFL's all-time leading passer, a testament to his enduring impact on the game. His contributions were recognized by being named to the NFL's All-Decade team for the 1960s. He received further honors, with inductions into the Eagles Honor Roll in 1987 and the Redskins Ring of Fame. Jurgensen was also inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1971 and the Duke Sports Hall of Fame in 1979.
In 2002, as part of the Redskins' 70th-anniversary celebrations, Jurgensen was selected as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins. His remarkable career and significant contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport of American football, solidifying his status as a true icon in the game's history.