Veteran Eagles quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, a two-time NFL leader in passing yards, has passed away at the age of 91. The Hall of Fame signal-caller spent seven seasons with the Eagles and Philadelphia Redskins before being enshrined in Canton in 1983.
For much of his career, Jurgensen played behind legendary quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, but took over as the starter in 1961 and led the team to a championship that year. In his second season, Jurgensen set single-season franchise records with 32 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, earning him a spot on the Pro Bowl and his only first-team All-Pro selection.
As one of the pioneering 'gunslingers' of the NFL, Jurgensen was known for his aggressive passing style, often launching deep balls downfield in an era when the quarterback position was still evolving. His playmaking ability, coupled with a strong arm, made him a fan favorite and a dominant force on the field.
Jurgensen's impressive career with the Eagles includes nine seasons of over 3,000 passing yards, including back-to-back single-season franchise records in touchdown passes and interceptions. He was traded to Washington ahead of the 1964 season and spent the next decade establishing himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks, leading the NFL in passing yards three more times.
Throughout his career, Jurgensen left an indelible mark on the Eagles organization, cementing his legacy as a beloved figure in franchise history. His passing yard totals of 9,639 in just seven seasons with the team still rank ninth all-time among Eagles quarterbacks, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest signal-callers in Philadelphia history.
For much of his career, Jurgensen played behind legendary quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, but took over as the starter in 1961 and led the team to a championship that year. In his second season, Jurgensen set single-season franchise records with 32 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, earning him a spot on the Pro Bowl and his only first-team All-Pro selection.
As one of the pioneering 'gunslingers' of the NFL, Jurgensen was known for his aggressive passing style, often launching deep balls downfield in an era when the quarterback position was still evolving. His playmaking ability, coupled with a strong arm, made him a fan favorite and a dominant force on the field.
Jurgensen's impressive career with the Eagles includes nine seasons of over 3,000 passing yards, including back-to-back single-season franchise records in touchdown passes and interceptions. He was traded to Washington ahead of the 1964 season and spent the next decade establishing himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks, leading the NFL in passing yards three more times.
Throughout his career, Jurgensen left an indelible mark on the Eagles organization, cementing his legacy as a beloved figure in franchise history. His passing yard totals of 9,639 in just seven seasons with the team still rank ninth all-time among Eagles quarterbacks, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest signal-callers in Philadelphia history.
I remember watching old game clips of him playing for the Eagles and Redskins, he was always so calm under pressure and made some sick throws downfield 
What really gets me is how underrated he is sometimes, I mean sure his career stats are impressive but there's just something about him that makes you wanna watch him play 
I think it's because of that 'gunslinger' vibe he had going on, always taking risks and making plays happen in the end zone 
I mean, setting records left and right, even back when the game was still evolving. 9,639 yards in just seven seasons with the Eagles? 
That's insane! he was like a gunslinger, always launching deep balls and making plays happen on the field... what a fan favorite 
Sonny Jurgensen was a legend on the field and it's crazy to think he's gone for good. 91 years young is no joke 
He'll always be remembered as one of the all-time greats in Philly sports history.
. Growing up watching him play, I remember being amazed by his ability to make something out of nothing – a deep ball downfield, a last-second touchdown pass... he was the ultimate 'gunslinger' 
. The stats are pretty impressive too, 9,639 passing yards in just seven seasons? that's wild! 
. I mean, this guy was a pioneer, he paved the way for all those gunslingers and quarterbacks we see today... it's like they're stuck in neutral 
, not taking risks and not thinking outside the box.
. They need to be thinking about innovation, about what's gonna make them stand out in this ever-changing league... not just following the same old playbook 
.
. We're so quick to celebrate championships and individual records, but when someone like Jurgensen passes away, we're supposed to be mourning the loss of an era? I think it's time for us to start valuing the game itself, not just the wins and losses 
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. I mean, who wouldn't want to be known for having back-to-back single-season franchise records in touchdown passes and interceptions? 
It's crazy to think he played behind Norm Van Brocklin at first but still managed to take over as starter and lead them to a championship... Talk about making the most of opportunities!