Ezekiel Turner

Ezekiel Turner (born June 9, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Washington Huskies as a defensive back and was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL draft. Turner was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team as a special teamer in the 2018 NFL season.

College career Turner enrolled at the University of Washington in January 2015 and played as a defensive back for the Washington Huskies his remaining college career. Turner played 12 of 13 games and started one game in his sophomore season. His first start was against Stanford University, where he had a total of seven tackles.

Professional career

Arizona Cardinals Turner signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2018. He played in all 16 games, finished third in the league with 16 total special teams tackles, and was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team as a special teamer.

On September 13, 2020, in the season opener, Turner blocked a punt against San Francisco 49ers' punter Mitch Wishnowsky in the first-quarter. Turner's teammate Dennis Gardeck recovered and advanced the ball five yards to the 49ers' 10-yard line. On December 20, 2020, in Week 15, Turner blocked a punt against Philadelphia Eagles' punter Cameron Johnston in the first-quarter. The ball bounced out of bounds at the Eagles' 6-yard line, which ended the Eagles' drive on a turnover on downs. In the fourth-quarter, on fourth-and-2, Turner caught a 26-yard reception from his punter Andy Lee on a successful fake punt resulting in a first-down for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals placed a restricted free agent tender on Turner on March 15, 2021. He signed the one-year contract on April 19. He was placed on injured reserve on October 13, 2021, with a shoulder injury. He was activated on January 17, 2022.

On March 18, 2022, Turner re-signed with the Cardinals.

On March 15, 2023, Turner signed a one-year contract extension with the Cardinals.

San Francisco 49ers On March 20, 2024, Turner signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on August 14.

Houston Texans On August 28, 2024, Turner was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad. He was released on October 1.

Seattle Seahawks On October 8, 2024, Turner was signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. He was released on October 25.

Detroit Lions On November 6, 2024, Turner was signed to the Detroit Lions' practice squad; he was promoted to the active roster on November 16. In nine appearances for Detroit, Turner recorded 0.5 sacks and 12 combined tackles.

On August 23, 2025, Turner departed the Lions' preseason finale against the Houston Texans with a "significant" injury, likely an Achilles tear, according to head coach Dan Campbell. On August 27, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Professional statistics LegendLed the leagueBoldCareer high

Regular season