Feb. 6, 2026, 2:37 p.m. ET
Friday was a sad day for the Washington Commanders, Washington fans, and the NFL. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen passed away at the age of 91.
Jurgensen entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 1957 NFL Draft. After spending his first seven NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, he was traded to Washington on April 1, 1964, and the rest is history. Sonny played 11 seasons for the Redskins before retiring after the 1974 season. He would enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
While Jurgensen played 11 seasons for Washington, it was his work in the broadcast booth that endeared him to future generations of Redskins fans. Jurgensen, along with Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff and the legendary Frank Herzog, were the voices of Washington’s radio broadcast for decades.
As expected, many Washington fans and media members shared positive memories of Jurgensen on Friday. While many weren’t alive to see him play, Jurgensen’s time in the broadcast booth enhanced his legendary status with fans. Jurgensen was a part of Washington’s broadcast booth until 2019.
Here are numerous reactions to Jurgensen’s passing and how he impacted so many fans and others.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Kevin Sheehan of Team 980Doc WalkerFormer Washington play-by-play announcer Larry MichaelJohn RigginsDanny Rouhier of 106.7 The FanMark Moseley Jr.Chuck SapienzaEric Bickel from the Sports JunkiesJP Finlay of 106.7 The FanESPN’s John Keim with a nod to the late Rick SniderPro Football Hall of FameMinority owner Mark EinBen StandigAl GaldiGrant Paulsen of 106.7 The FanLarry BrownMore reactionsEven more reactions