Sonny Jurgensen
AllIaskmyblockersis4seconds.Itrytostayonmyfeetandtrynottobeforcedoutofthepocket.AnytimetheymakemedosomethingI’msecondbestat,they’redefeatingme.Ibeatpeoplebythrowing,notrunning,And,Iwon’tletthemintimidatemeintodoingsomethingwhichisnotthebestthingIcando.
Sonny Jurgensen riddled enemy defenses with picture-perfect bullets for 18 seasons in the National Football League — seven with the Philadelphia Eagles and 11 with the Washington Redskins.
By the end of his career, the man recognized for being one of the finest pure passers in history had accumulated a long list of individual records.
In his first year as a full-time starter in 1961, Jurgensen tied Johnny Unitas’ single-season record for touchdown passes with 32. He led the NFL in passing yards five times (twice with the Eagles and three times with the Redskins) and touchdown passes twice (once with each team).
In his final season in 1974, at age 40, Jurgensen led the NFC in passer rating at 94.5.
Particularly in Washington, Jurgensen became a folk hero. “I had as much fun playing as anyone,” he once said. “But on the field, it was serious business. I was interested in winning.”
Whether the Redskins won or lost, adoring fans knew Jurgensen would provide game-long excitement, throwing long and short, dissecting defenses and working the clock. A classic drop-back passer, Sonny was respected for his ability to deliver the ball at the last moment under the pressure of a vicious pass rush.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Jurgensen completed 2,433 passes for 32,224 yards and 255 touchdowns.
“All I ask of my blockers is 4 seconds," the veteran quarterback once explained. "I try to stay on my feet and not be forced out of the pocket. ... I beat people by throwing, not running. I won't let them intimidate me into doing something which is not the best thing I can do."
In 1969, Vince Lombardi took over as the Redskins’ head coach. Many wondered if Lombardi and Jurgensen could work together. Noted for his taskmaster approach to coaching, Lombardi quickly developed a strong admiration for the fun-loving quarterback. "Jurgensen is a great quarterback," the coach said without hesitation. "He hangs in there under adverse conditions. He may be the best the league has ever seen. He is the best I have seen."
