Redskins legend Sonny Jurgensen passed away on Friday at the age of 91

I’m old enough to have grown up watching Sonny Jergensen, who played for the Washington Redskins from 1964 to 1974.

His on-field accomplishments were impressive, including a championship with the Eagles in 1960 as well as 4 pro bowls and 3 All Pro selections as a Redskin (5 total pro bowls and 4 total All Pro seasons), but Sonny became known to generations of Washington football fans as part of the radio broadcast team of Sonny, Sam Huff & Frank Herzog, who brought Redskins football to life for decades. Sonny retired from broadcasting in 2019, but he continued to be a fixture at team events in recent years.

Although his jersey number was only recently retired in 2023, No. 9 has been synonymous with Jergensen since his playing days.

The team released a statement once news of Jergensen’s passing was made public.

As a player, broadcaster and member of the community, Sonny Jergensen left a deep impression on Washington and fans of the burgundy & gold.

As a member of the NFL’s 1960s all-decade team, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Washington Ring of Fame, Washington’s ‘90 Greatest’, and holding many NFL records, including 5 times as the league’s passing yards leader, Sonny will forever be remembered as an NFL great.

In Washington, he will be remembered with fondness by parents, children and siblings who spent many a Sunday afternoon with the radio turned up and the TV turned down to listen to Sonny, Sam & Frank.

He’ll be missed and he’ll be remembered.

Rest in Peace #9!