Sonny Jurgensen

The Golden Arm of Washington and Philadelphia

Few quarterbacks in NFL history could sling the football with the effortless precision and pure artistry of Sonny Jurgensen. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, five-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most prolific passers of his era, Jurgensen was a gunslinger long before the term became popular. With his golden right arm, pinpoint accuracy, and uncanny ability to extend plays, he was one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever grace the gridiron.

For 18 seasons (1957-1974), Jurgensen dazzled fans with his fearless play and deep-ball accuracy, redefining the passing game in an era dominated by ground-and-pound offenses. He starred for the Philadelphia Eagles before becoming the face of the Washington Redskins, where he solidified his reputation as one of the greatest pure passers in NFL history. Even in an era that emphasized the running game, Jurgensen put up staggering passing numbers and led the league in passing yards five times—a feat that remains impressive to this day.

More than just stats, Jurgensen was a showman, a leader who played with charisma and confidence. Whether he was threading a pass between two defenders or launching a perfect spiral downfield, he made quarterbacking look effortless. His legendary battles against the NFL’s toughest defenses and his signature quick release earned him the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike.

The Numbers Behind Jurgensen’s Greatness

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1983)
• NFL Champion (1960 – Philadelphia Eagles)
• Five-time Pro Bowler (1961, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1969)
• Five-time NFL Passing Yards Leader (1961, 1962, 1966, 1967, 1969)
• NFL Passing Touchdowns Leader (1961)
• NFL Career Stats:
  • 2,433 completions
  • 32,224 passing yards
  • 255 passing touchdowns
  • 82.6 career passer rating
• Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
• Washington Commanders Ring of Fame

Jurgensen retired as one of the most accomplished passers in NFL history, ranking among the all-time leaders in passing yards and touchdowns at the time. His ability to read defenses and deliver pinpoint throws helped revolutionize the passing game and set the stage for future generations of quarterbacks.

From Backup to Champion – The Philadelphia Years (1957-1963)

Jurgensen’s NFL journey began with the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 1957 NFL Draft out of Duke University.

• Spent his early years as a backup to Norm Van Brocklin, learning from one of the league’s best quarterbacks.
• When he finally got his chance to start in 1961, he exploded onto the scene, leading the NFL in passing yards (3,723) and passing touchdowns (32)—a massive number for that era.
• Became the face of the Eagles’ offense, but despite his individual brilliance, the team struggled.
• In 1964, he was shockingly traded to Washington, a move that would define his career.

Washington’s Gunslinger – The Prime Years (1964-1974)

While his time in Philadelphia was impressive, it was in Washington where Jurgensen became an all-time legend.

• Paired with legendary head coach Vince Lombardi in 1969, leading Washington to a 7-5-2 record in Lombardi’s only season with the team.
• Known for his deep-ball accuracy, Jurgensen had a fearless style, regularly torching secondaries with his quick release and precision.
• Led the NFL in passing yards three times with Washington (1966, 1967, 1969), proving he was one of the most dominant quarterbacks of his time.
• His rivalry with Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach created some of the most thrilling matchups of the 1970s.
• Even as he aged, he remained one of the most efficient passers in the league, guiding Washington through multiple playoff-contending seasons.

Jurgensen’s career was defined by his ability to make impossible throws look routine, and he remained one of the most respected quarterbacks in NFL history long after his playing days ended.

Defining Moments of Jurgensen’s Career

• 1961 – Breakout Season: Became the league’s leading passer in his first year as a starter, throwing for 3,723 yards and 32 touchdowns.
• 1967 – The 500-Yard Shootout: Threw for 503 yards in a game against the Eagles, setting a franchise record that still stands today.
• 1969 – Lombardi’s QB: In Vince Lombardi’s only season with Washington, Jurgensen orchestrated one of the best offenses in the league.
• 1974 – Final Season: After an 18-year career, he retired as one of the top 10 quarterbacks in passing yards and touchdowns.

The Most Iconic Sonny Jurgensen Football Cards

Jurgensen’s legacy is well-represented in the hobby, with several classic vintage cards that are must-haves for collectors:

• 1958 Topps #90 Sonny Jurgensen Rookie Card – His official rookie card, an essential piece for any serious collector.
• 1965 Philadelphia #6 Sonny Jurgensen – A stunning mid-career card featuring him in Washington’s uniform.
• 1969 Topps #165 Sonny Jurgensen – A key card from the year he led the NFL in passing.

Jurgensen’s football cards continue to hold significant value, reflecting his importance to NFL history and his enduring fan base.

A Legacy That Transcends Eras

Sonny Jurgensen may not have had the Super Bowl rings of some of his contemporaries, but his impact on the game was undeniable. He was one of the first quarterbacks to truly embrace the deep passing game, paving the way for modern gunslingers like Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Patrick Mahomes.

• His five passing titles showcased his ability to dominate through the air in a time when most teams relied on the run.
• His legendary arm talent and accuracy made him a quarterback ahead of his time.
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983, ensuring his legacy lives on forever.

Jurgensen wasn’t just a quarterback—he was an artist, turning the football field into his canvas. His ability to sling the ball with precision and style made him a fan favorite and a true icon of the game.

Even decades after his retirement, his name is still spoken with reverence in Washington and Philadelphia. He may not have always played on championship-caliber teams, but his talent, leadership, and flair for the dramatic made him one of the most memorable quarterbacks in NFL history.

A Gunslinger, A Legend, and One of the Greatest Pure Passers the Game Has Ever Seen.