The Washington Commanders will retire former quarterback Sonny Jurgensen's No. 9 this season.
Jurgensen, who became a central figure in the ear and minds of generations of Washington football fans as a broadcaster after his playing days ended in 1974, will have his number retired in a ceremony at FedEx Field at the Commanders' final home game of the season on Jan. 8, 2023, per The Team 980's Kevin Sheehan.
"No member of the Washington franchise will ever wear the number 9 again, which is truly a nod to Sonny's incredible accomplishments on and off the field," co-owner Tanya Snyder said in a statement. "Dan and I are thankful for the 55 years Sonny dedicated to the franchise. People will remember him as one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history and the radio voice of the team for our three Super Bowl victories. He represents true excellence and professionalism and serves as a role model for future Washington players. We look forward to honoring his legacy with his friends and family later this season. He will forever be a part of the Burgundy & Gold."
The No. 9 of Jurgensen will be the fourth number retired after the franchise honored Sammy Baugh (No. 33), Bobby Mitchell (No. 49), and Sean Taylor (No. 21).
"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 (via the team's website). "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."
Jurgensen, played 11 seasons at quarterback with the then-Washington Redskins, was a 5-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL in passing five times, and Vince Lombardi said he "may be the best the league has ever seen."
He played the first seven seasons of his career in Philadelphia and won the NFL Championship in 1960 and was named First-Team All-Pro in 1961, his first season as a starting quarterback. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
"All I ask my blockers is four seconds. I try to stay on my feet and try not to be forced out," Jurgensen once said. "Any time they make me do something I’m second best at, they’re defeating me. I beat people by throwing, not running, And, I won’t let them intimidate me.”
The news of his jersey retirement came on Jurgensen's 88th birthday.
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