Skip to main content
Advertising

News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Wake Up Washington | Ron Rivera congratulates Sonny Jurgensen on jersey retirement

WUW082422

It is a rare honor for a player's jersey to be retired with a franchise. In fact, prior to their 90th season, the Washington Commanders only had three: Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell and Sean Taylor. 

On Tuesday, Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen was added to that list. It was a well-deserved distinction, as the quarterback has the second-most passing yards (22,585), passing touchdowns (179) and completions (1,831) in franchise history.  

And before head coach Ron Rivera said anything about the team's upcoming preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, he gave a few thoughts on Jurgensen's historic career. 

"Sonny was a tremendous player for this organization and really brought a lot of happiness and joy to our fans," Rivera said. 

Jurgensen was out of the league well before Rivera was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1984, but he is fully aware of the accomplishments Jurgensen collected in 18 seasons, 11 of which were with Washington. He led the league in passing yards five times and went to five Pro Bowls among several other accolades.  

Jurgensen also created a distinguished broadcasting career after he retired in 1974. He spent six years calling plays for CBS and another 38 consecutive years in Washington's radio booth. During his radio tenure he was the voice of three Washington Super Bowl titles. 

Rivera knows how important the franchise's history is to the Washington fanbase, and he wants his players to embrace it as well.  

"Whenever there is an opportunity to have a great player recognized, I think it should be something our players should get caught up in." 

Jurgensen will be recognized in a pregame ceremony that will take place on the main concourse at FedExField 60 minutes prior to kickoff during "Rivalry Weekend" against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. The ceremony will include members of Jurgensen's family and teammates and will be open to fans. 

Rivera expects it to be a great moment, not just for Jurgensen and his family, but also for the entire franchise.  

"For the team and the community as a whole, the great memories, the great times that some of the great players had, I think it brings a little nostalgia to them."

The Washington Commanders were back in pads for their second day of preparation ahead of their final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. Check out the top photos from the afternoon. Photos by Emilee Fails and Kourtney Carroll/Washington Commanders

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

The Washington Commanders were back on the field to begin preparations for their final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. Check out the top photos from Monday's practice. (Emilee Fails and Kourtney Carroll/Washington Commanders)

Related Content

Advertising
;