Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen dies at 91 - ESPN

Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, who has held franchise passing records for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders for more than five decades, has died at the age of 91.

Jurgensen's family announced his death in a statement released by the Commanders on Friday.

«It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Sonny Jurgensen,» the family said. «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 greats in Canton.»

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

Jurgensen spent the majority of his 18-year career in Washington, joining the team in 1964 in a surprise quarterback swap that sent Norm Snead to Philadelphia. Jurgensen would make four of his five Pro Bowls in Washington while leading the NFL in passing three times, and his 31 passing touchdowns in 1967 remain a single-season franchise record.

In Philadelphia, where he played from 1957 to 1963, Jurgensen was a starter for three seasons, beginning in 1961, and led the NFL in passing twice. He set a franchise record with 32 passing touchdowns in 1961, which stood until Carson Wentz passed him with 33 in 2017.

Jurgensen was a backup quarterback in 1960 when the Eagles won the NFL title — the team's last championship prior to its Super Bowl LII victory. His 26 interceptions in 1962 remain an Eagles team record.

He ranks in the top 40 in NFL history in career passing touchdowns (255) and interceptions (189). He topped 3,000 yards in a season five times, including twice with Philadelphia, in an era before rules changes opened