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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Jurgensen Honored Before Eagles Game

Redskins great Sonny Jurgensen was honored prior to Sunday's Redskins-Eagles game at FedExField. The celebration was part of the franchise's 75th anniversary.

Jurgensen began his NFL career in 1957 when he was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round out of Duke University. The Redskins acquired Jurgensen in a trade that sent quarterback Norm Snead to the Eagles.

Jurgensen would go on to play 11 seasons in Washington, D.C., He won three passing titles for the Redskins and was elected to the Pro Bowl four times.

As a Redskin, he completed 1,831-of-3,155 passes, or 58 percent, for 22,585 yards and 179 touchdowns. He helped lead the Redskins to the 1972 NFC Championship game.

For his career, which included seven seasons in Philadelphia, Jurgensen completed 2,433-of-4,262 passes for 32,224 yards, 255 touchdowns and 189 interceptions. He was part of the Eagles' 1960 championship team.

He considered the 1969 seasons with head coach Vince Lombardi his most memorable football experience.

Jurgensen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983. He called it his biggest accomplishment as a football player.

In the early 1970s, Jurgensen was part of the most famous quarterback controversies in NFL history.
Fans were openly divided whether the team should start Jurgensen at quarterback or go with Billy Kilmer. Bumper stickers on cars across the region stated either "I want Sonny" or "I want Billy."

Now retired, the Redskins continue to play a very important part of his life. He remains a regular at Redskins Park during the season.

He is a color commentator for all Redskins games, along-side Larry Michael and Sam Huff. He has also shared his insights as a television analyst.

The Redskins are honoring one of the team's legends prior to each home game this season.

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