NFL History: 25 greatest quarterback-tight end duos of all time

The 15th greatest quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history: Sonny Jurgensen & Jerry Smith

In the 1960s, Sonny Jurgensen strung together a number of years that would put him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as an all-time great quarterback. During that decade, he had the privilege of playing with tight end Jerry Smith. Together, they were special for Washington.

Jurgensen arrived in Washington in 1964, with Smith showing up a year later. They would remain teammates until Jurgensen retired in 1974. In their time together, they achieved many great individual accolades.

Jurgensen made three Pro bowls, led the league in passing touchdowns in 1967, and was three-time passing yards leader (‘66,’67,’69). Meanwhile, Smith was a two-time Pro bowler and retired as the record holder for most touchdowns as a tight end with 60.

Jurgensen started having injury troubles later in his career and was unable to contribute much when Washington developed into a contending team. He was sidelined most of 1972 when Washington made a Super Bowl appearance. Despite that unfortunate fate, that era of Washington football is remembered for the Jurgensen-Smith duo and their 354 catches, 4,565 yards and 50 touchdowns in 113 games.