Thomas Samuel Turner III (October 1, 1978 – March 10, 2014) was an American professional football linebacker who played one season with the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL draft after playing college football at Michigan State University.
Early life and college
Thomas Samuel Turner III was born on October 1, 1978, in Dayton, Ohio.[1] He played high school football at Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, Ohio.[1] He recorded 103 tackles, including seven sacks, three interceptions and six fumbles recoveries his senior year in 1996, earning Super-Prep All-American honors.[2] Turner was a two-way player in high school, also playing tight end.[2] He caught 39 passes for 757 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior.[2] The football team had a 37–3 regular season record during Turner's four years of high school.[2] He also played basketball in high school, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game.[2]
Turner was a four-year letterman for the Michigan State Spartans of Michigan State University from 1997 to 2000.[1] He totaled 66 tackles and two sacks his junior season in 1999, garnering honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference recognition.[2]
Professional career
Turner was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round, with the 239th overall pick, of the 2001 NFL draft.[3] He officially signed with the team on July 5.[4] He played in two games for the Patriots during the 2001 season, posting one solo tackle and two assisted tackles, before being released on November 10, 2001.[4][3]
Turner signed with the San Francisco 49ers on May 29, 2002.[4] He was released on June 12, 2002.[4]
Personal life
Turner died of cancer on March 10, 2014, in Dayton.[5][3]
References
- ^ a b c "T.J. TURNER". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Ryan, Rory (April 30, 2024). "It's time: HHS football should retire T.J. Turner's No. 35". The Highland County Press. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c "T.J. Turner". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "T.J. Turner Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ "Former HHS star and NFL linebacker T.J. Turner dies at 35". The Highland County Press. March 11, 2014. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
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