Sonny Jurgensen Net Worth at Death: NFL Legend’s $2 Million Estate

Sonny Jurgensen was a Hall of Fame NFL quarterback known for his legendary “golden arm” who had an estimated net worth of $2 million at the time of his death on February 6, 2026. The 91-year-old football icon spent 18 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins), followed by 38 years as a beloved broadcaster. His financial legacy reflects an era when NFL salaries were modest, supplemented by a successful post-playing career in sports media.

Net Worth Summary

Estimated Net Worth at Death: $2 million

Primary Income: NFL salary, broadcasting

Other Sources: Endorsements, appearances

Years Active: 1957–2018 (61 years in football)

Date of Death: February 6, 2026

Age at Death: 91 years old

Hall of Fame: Inducted 1983

Financial Figures at a Glance

How Did Sonny Jurgensen Make Money?

NFL Playing Career (1957-1974)

Jurgensen played 18 seasons as a quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington. During the 1960s and early 1970s, NFL salaries were dramatically lower than today’s standards. Top quarterbacks earned approximately $50,000 to $100,000 annually by the early 1970s. Despite these modest earnings compared to modern players, Jurgensen built a solid financial foundation during his playing years.

Broadcasting Career (1974-2018)

After retiring in 1974, Jurgensen transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, serving as a color commentator for Washington’s radio broadcasts for 38 years until 2018. Reports indicate he earned a six-figure annual salary during his broadcasting tenure. This steady income for nearly four decades became the backbone of his post-football wealth and provided long-term financial stability for his family.

Endorsements & Appearances

While endorsement opportunities were far more limited in Jurgensen’s era compared to today’s athletes, his charisma and legendary status in Washington opened doors to local and regional partnerships, television appearances, and speaking engagements that supplemented his income throughout his life.

Career Highlights & Achievements

NFL Salaries: Then vs Now

Sonny Jurgensen’s $2 million net worth reflects the stark difference between NFL compensation in his era versus today. While Jurgensen earned approximately $100,000 at his peak in the early 1970s, modern quarterbacks sign contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. For comparison, today’s top quarterbacks earn $50-60 million per year, roughly 500-600 times what Jurgensen made annually.

Despite the enormous salary gap, Jurgensen lived comfortably and was known for his wise financial management. He invested prudently and lived within his means, ensuring his family’s financial security without falling into the financial troubles that plagued many athletes of his generation.

Personal Life & Family

Christian Adolph Jurgensen III was born on August 23, 1934, in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was married to his wife Margo Hurt Jurgensen for nearly six decades. Jurgensen had four sons: Erik and Gunnar with Margo, and Greg and Scott from his first marriage to Suzanne Long.

In his 2019 retirement speech from broadcasting, Jurgensen thanked Margo for “letting me work the weekends for all those years,” highlighting the sacrifice and support she provided throughout his 62-year career in professional football. The family resided in Florida during his later years, where Jurgensen lived a relatively private life focused on family.

Legacy Beyond Net Worth

While Sonny Jurgensen’s $2 million net worth may seem modest by modern NFL standards, his true legacy extends far beyond financial measures. Known as one of the greatest pure passers in NFL history, Jurgensen revolutionized the quarterback position with his powerful arm, fearless pocket presence, and pinpoint accuracy.

His 55-year association with professional football—18 as a player and 38 as a broadcaster—represents a bridge between the sport’s early days and its modern era. Jurgensen influenced generations of quarterbacks and remained a beloved figure in Washington for over half a century. His witty, insightful commentary endeared him to fans who had never seen him play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Sonny Jurgensen’s net worth when he died?

Sonny Jurgensen had an estimated net worth of approximately $2 million at the time of his death on February 6, 2026. This wealth was accumulated through his 18-season NFL career, 38-year broadcasting career, and various endorsements.

How old was Sonny Jurgensen when he died?

Sonny Jurgensen died at age 91 on February 6, 2026. He was born on August 23, 1934.

Did Sonny Jurgensen win a Super Bowl?

No, Jurgensen did not win a Super Bowl as a player. He was a backup on the 1960 Eagles NFL Championship team (pre-Super Bowl era) and lost Super Bowl VII with Washington in 1972.

What teams did Sonny Jurgensen play for?

Jurgensen played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1957 to 1963 and the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) from 1964 to 1974.

How much did NFL quarterbacks make in the 1970s?

Top NFL quarterbacks in the early 1970s earned approximately $50,000 to $100,000 annually—far less than today’s multi-million dollar contracts. Jurgensen’s peak salary was around $100,000 per year.

Is Sonny Jurgensen in the Hall of Fame?

Yes, Sonny Jurgensen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983. He is also in the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and the Washington Commanders Ring of Fame.

Disclaimer

All net worth figures and financial information are estimates based on publicly available information from credible sources. Actual estate values and private financial details have not been publicly disclosed by the Jurgensen family. This article is intended for informational purposes and represents the best available information at the time of publication (February 2026).