Sonny Jurgensen connected on 2,433 of his attempted career 4,262 tosses for a completion percentage of 57.1%. yards and he threw for 147.8 yards per outing. For his NFL career, Jurgensen passed for 32,224 yards with 255 touchdowns and 189 picks. He had a quarterback rating of a touchdown percentage of 6.0% and an interception percentage of 4.4%. Over the course of his time in the league, he was sacked 294 times for a total of 1,764 yards lost behind the line of scrimmage.
During his 0 contests played in his final year, Jurgensen connected on 0 of 0 attempts for a total of 0 yards. He averaged 0.0 yards per game through the air with a 0.0 QB rating. Jurgensen passed for 0 touchdowns in his last season compared to 0 interceptions and his longest completion of the year went for 0 yards. He lost a total of 0 yds while being sacked 0 different times. His TD rate when attempting a pass was 0.0% and his interception rate was 0.0%.
Sonny Jurgensen, a legendary quarterback in the National Football League, has left an indelible mark on the sport as we know it today. His illustrious career spans from being an undrafted free agent to being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983, and everything in between. Jurgensen’s exceptional talent, vibrant personality, and penchant for innovation made him a standout in the world of football.
Doug Jurgensen, commonly known as “Sonny,” was born on August 23, 1934, in Wilmington, North Carolina, where his interest in sports began. His athletic prowess wouldn’t be fully realized until he attended Duke University, where he played both baseball and football.
Despite displaying exceptional talent, Jurgensen went undrafted in the 1957 NFL draft. He then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he acquired the moniker “Sonny” for his quick release and “liquid lightning” arm. His initial career in Philadelphia was spent mostly on the bench as the backup to veteran quarterback Tommy Thompson. Jurgensen struggled to break into the starting lineup.
However, Jurgensen’s time eventually came, and he made the most of it. In 1960, after the Eagles traded Thompson, he finally got the opportunity to showcase his skills. Jurgensen flourished, leading the Eagles to their first-ever NFL Championship in 1960. He threw for 23 touchdown passes during that season, tying the record of NFL great Y. A. Tittle.
Jurgensen’s career hit a slight rough patch when he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1964. Desperate for a competent quarterback, the Redskins were more than willing to take a chance on him. This move proved to be pivotal in Jurgensen’s career, as he went on to have a spectacular time with the team. His talent as a passer was evident as he completed more than 65 percent of his passes for five consecutive seasons and shattered the league record for passing yards in 1966 and 1969.
Jurgensen’s extraordinary contributions did not go unnoticed. In 1983, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his unrivaled dominance on the field. He was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team garnered All-Pro honors five times and was even selected for the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team.
After retiring from playing football, Jurgensen transitioned seamlessly into the broadcasting world, where he continued to entertain football fans through his insightful commentary and engaging personality. His career as a broadcaster was marked by longevity and success, just like his playing days.
Sonny Jurgensen’s impact on football can’t be overstated. His singular ability to throw long passes, often referred to as “jurg-throws,” revolutionized how quarterbacks approached the game. He was one of the first quarterbacks to consistently attempt and complete long passes, a strategy that has now become integral to the modern game.
In addition to his contribution to the evolution of quarterback play, Jurgensen also made significant strides in the development of the pro-style offense. His proficiency in the passing game and command of the huddle were instrumental in making the Eagles and Redskins formidable offenses during the 60s and 70s.
Sonny Jurgensen’s career was more than just a series of impressive stats. It was a story of perseverance, talent, and innovation that reshaped the sport of football forever. His journey from undrafted free agent to Hall of Famer is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the game.
Even after his retirement, Jurgensen’s influence is still felt in the game today. The next time you see a quarterback heaving a long pass or a team relying heavily on the passing game, remember that it can all be traced back to the career of one man – Sonny Jurgensen.
In conclusion, it’s almost impossible not to be mesmerized by the legendary career of Sonny Jurgensen. His legacy in the NFL has left a profound impact on the sport, changing the way quarterbacks are viewed and shaping the very fabric of modern football. Whether as a star player or a beloved broadcaster, Jurgensen has undeniably left his mark on the world of sports. And as the NFL continues to progress and evolve, the indelible influence of Sonny Jurgensen remains a constant reminder of the transformative power of talent, innovation, and determination.