Commander Country

Washington Legend Sonny Jurgensen Jersey Retired by Franchise

In a halftime ceremony, the Washington Commanders honored a legend from the franchise's storied history.

David Harrison

LANDOVER, Md. -- The Washington Commanders are in the first year of what they hope will begin a new era of great football in the DMV. 

With their first regular season coming to a disappointing close, however, the Washington franchise turned back the clock to honor one of the legends of the past. 

By retiring quarterback Sonny Jurgensen's jersey at halftime of their Week 18 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

"Sonny will be recognized in a halftime ceremony that will take place on the field, which will include members of Jurgensen's family and team executives," the team said in a press release. "Sonny will enjoy the game and his halftime moment from a customized suite full of imagery and memorabilia commemorating his time with the team. He will be joined by his wife Margo, along with his close friend and former teammate Billy Kilmer."

The team also announced players will wear a special No. 9 decal on their helmets for the season finale, in recognition of the celebration in honor of Jurgensen. 

A 1983 enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Jurgensen currently ranks second all-time in franchise history in completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. 

In all, he spent 55 years involved in Washington football, on the field and in the radio booth as an employee of the team. 

Jurgensen is a member of the team's Ring of Fame, was on the inaugural 70 Greatest list, and is now the fourth member of the franchise to have his jersey retired. 

Joining other Washington legends Sean Taylor (No. 21), Sammy Baugh (No. 33), and Bobby Mitchell (No. 49).

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.

Get your Washington Commanders game tickets from SI Tickets HERE!

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the Si.com team page here

Published
David Harrison
DAVID HARRISON

David Harrison has covered the NFL since 2015 as a digital content creator in both written and audio media. He is the host of Locked On Commanders and a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. His previous career was as a Military Working Dog Handler for the United States Army. Contact David via email at david.w.harrison82@gmail.com or on Twitter @DHarrison82.

Home/News