Paul Kevin Turner (June 12, 1969 - March 24, 2016) was an American professional American football fullback. He played eight seasons in the National Football League for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

Career

Turner attended Prattville High School in Prattville, Alabama. Playing for the school's gridiron football team, Turner was a member of the 1984 Alabama state champions. He enrolled at the University of Alabama, where he played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. With the Crimson Tide, Turner was regarded as a strong blocker, supporting running backs Siran Stacy and Bobby Humphrey. He also rushed for 4.7 yards (4.3 m) per carry and had 95 receptions.

The New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) selected him in the third round of the 1992 NFL draft. Turner played for New England for three seasons, and then played for five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Turner missed the majority of the 1995 season due to a knee injury. When he came back the following year, he blocked for Ricky Watters, who led the NFL in rushing yards. Turner won the Ed Block Courage Award for his persistence through the injury. He experienced two neck injuries in 1999, which ended his career. He finished his NFL career with 635 rushing yards (4.0 yards (3.7 m) per carry), 236 receptions for 2,015 yards, and 10 touchdowns.

Personal life

Turner and his ex-wife had three children. They were divorced. Kevin married Allison Sanford in 2014. His son Nolan will play college football for the Clemson Tigers of Clemson University.

Health issues

In June 2010, Turner was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was involved in research that links chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) to ALS, and agreed to donate his brain and spinal cord when he died. Turner served as a lead plaintiff in a major lawsuit filed by former players against the NFL regarding the health risks of concussions in American football.

Turner's life with ALS was documented in the music video for the song "Journey On" by Ty Herndon. Turner and his two children appeared in the music video along with Herndon. In 2012, Jon Frankel of HBO worked with Turner to create the documentary film American Man, describing Turner's life, especially his battle with ALS.

On March 24, 2016, Turner died as a result of ALS in his home in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]