The Washington Commanders have been a very successful franchise during their stint in the NFL, with plenty of iconic players coming through the organization, and this year, they'll add a fourth jersey to their retired list, as they will retire the No. 9 in honour of Sonny Jurgensen, who will join Sean Taylor (21), Sammy Baugh (33) and Bobby Mitchell (49) having his number raised to the rafters in Washington.
The former QB was a standout in his time in Washington, as he currently sits second in franchise history in passing completions (1,831), Touchdown's (179) and yards (22,585), and after his playing days, remained in Washington as a radio announcer, the one which many remember as the voice of the team's three Super Bowl victories. In total, Sonny has spent 55 years with the Washington organization, and there's no one more deserving of being recognized by their franchise.
There will never be another 𝟵
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 23, 2022
We're retiring the legendary Sonny Jurgensen's number during our Week 18 game vs. Dallas
The ceremony will take place in Week 18 during a home game against the Dallas Cowboys in a well deserved honour. "I am very humbled by this recognition, it is an honor of a lifetime to have my jersey retired with a franchise I spent 55 years of my life with," Jurgensen said. "Thank you to Dan and Tanya for this honor and for supporting me and my family during our time in Washington. From hanging up my cleats to hanging up my clipboard and headset a few decades later, my time spent in Washington meant the world to me. Additionally, I want to thank my coaches and teammates including Coach Lombardi, Leonard Hauss, Billy Kilmer, Bobby Mitchell, Jerry Smith and Charley Taylor, and my special radio and tv partners Sam Huff, Frank Herzog and others. Thank you to the fan base for cheering on the Burgundy & Gold every single Sunday, without you we wouldn't have the ability to play or talk about this special game for a living. Lastly, a special thank you to my wife Margo for always being by my side and for the unconditional support."
While not many that watch the game today will have seen him play, fans in Washington will remember him forever as one of the best pure passers the game had ever seen, and on his 88th birthday of all days, Sonny was informed of this incredible honour that so few who come through the NFL receive.
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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