Los Angeles Rams v. Washington Redskins Washington Redskins quarterback Sonny Jurgensen 9, right, and head coach Vince Lombardi, left, discuss strategy on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on November 30, 1969. The Redskins lost the game 24 - 13. Photo by Arnie Sachs / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM Washington District of Columbia United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxUK Copyright: xCNP/ABACAx
Los Angeles Rams v. Washington Redskins Washington Redskins quarterback Sonny Jurgensen 9, right, and head coach Vince Lombardi, left, discuss strategy on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on November 30, 1969. The Redskins lost the game 24 - 13. Photo by Arnie Sachs / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM Washington District of Columbia United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxUK Copyright: xCNP/ABACAx
Feb 7, 2026, 4:42 PM CUT
"Rest in Peace": NFL Community Left Distraught After HOF Passes Away
The Washington Redskins vs. the Dallas Cowboys game in 1965. The Commanders trailed 21-0 when Sonny Jurgensen wrote the script for a comeback with 411 yards and 3 TDs, leading to a 34-31 victory. That legend has passed away on Feb 6, 2026.
The family of the NFL legend announced the news of his demise on Friday, saying he passed away from natural causes in Naples, Florida, after a brief stay in hospice care.
"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."
The 1983 Hall of Famer played 18 seasons in the NFL for the Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles together, debuting in 1964 with the latter. He had 31 passing touchdowns in 1967, which remains a single-season franchise record for the Commanders.
"He lived with deep appreciation for the teammates, colleagues and friends he met along the way," his family said. "While he has taken his final snap, his legacy will remain an indelible part of the city he loved and the family he built." Alongside the family, a lot of NFL fans have expressed condolences.
Fans Pay Their Respects To Sonny Jurgensen
A lot of fans have mourned the loss of the NFL legend. "Incredible legacy. Holding records for over five decades is a testament to his greatness. My condolences to his family." they said. The NFL legend also set a franchise record for the Eagles with 32 passing touchdowns in 1961, which stood until Carson Wentz passed him with 33 in 2017.
Another user commented, "RIP but a 91 year old holding the Eagles and Commanders QB records for 5 decades into the Modern era is hilarious. Both of those teams can’t develop long term QBs". And it's not just that, Sonny Jurgensen also led the NFL three times in passing three times.
One comment read, "true legend of the game, Sonny Jurgensen set a standard for quarterback play that lasted generations and his impact on the Eagles and Commanders will never be forgotten." He played 5 Pro Bowls for the Commanders, and he also won the NFL title with the former in 1960, playing as the backup QB.
The fans will always remember him for that untoppable 99-yard touchdown pass to Gerry Allen in 1968, and maybe that is why one wrote, "RIP dude used to just casually rip behind the back passes back in the day." Many have said, "May his soul rest well," and we hope the same.
Written by
Reyansh Dubey
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu