NFL Legend and 4-Time Hall of Fame Inductee Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen Dies at 91

Even though 2026 arguably is still just getting started, several legendary athletes have already died this year. Now, an NFL icon who had such an impactful career that he was inducted into multiple Hall of Fames, Sonny Jurgensen, has passed away at 91.

Iconic NFL Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen Dies at 91

On February 6, 2026, Fox News reported that Sonny Jurgensen had passed away at 91 years old and that his cause of death hadn't been revealed. The fact that the quarterback who played with the Washington Redskins for 11 seasons and the Philadelphia Eagles for seven had passed away was revealed by his family. His loved ones announced the news in a statement that was posted on the Washington Commander's X account.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Sonny Jurgensen. 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."

The statement continued, "He lived with deep appreciation for the teammates, colleagues, and friends he met along the way. 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. 9"

A statement from the family of Christian A. "Sonny" Jurgensen III pic.twitter.com/vbW5bIV9xn

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 6, 2026

Remembering One of the NFL’s Greatest Arms

As is detailed on the Washington Commanders' website, Sonny Jurgensen truly had a career for the ages. Elected to the NFL's 1960s All-Decade Team, he was renowned for his incredible arm. Over 18 NFL seasons, he threw 2,433 completions for a total of 32,224 passing yards, 255 touchdowns, and he had five 3,000-yard seasons.

In 1960, Jurgensen became an NFL champion when he led the Philadelphia Eagles as they defeated the Green Bay Packers in the championship game. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl five times and the All-Pro team twice. Even after his career ended, the honors continued coming. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, and the Duke University Hall of Fame. Adding to that, he also earned a spot in the Washington Commanders Ring of Fame, which is a similar team-specific honor.