Trai Turner

Trai Denzell Turner (born June 14, 1993) is an American former professional football offensive guard. He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft, where he made the Pro Bowl every year from 2015 to 2019. Turner has also played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders.

Early life Turner attended St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He played offensive tackle for their football team, helping St. Augustine average over 300 yards rushing a game.

College career Turner attended Louisiana State University (LSU) from 2011 to 2013. After redshirting as a freshman in 2011, he played in 12 games and made seven starts as a redshirt freshman. He made his first start at right guard in a win over number 3 ranked South Carolina.

Professional career

Carolina Panthers

Turner was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2014 NFL draft. On June 4, 2014, Turner signed a four-year contract. As a rookie, during the preseason, Turner won the starting right guard position on the Panther offensive line over veteran Chris Scott. Turner made his first NFL start during the Panthers week 5 victory over the Chicago Bears. His emergence into the starting lineup helped the Panthers rank seventh in the NFL in rushing, including a league-leading 975 yards over the last five games. On December 23, 2014, Turner was named to Sports Illustrated All-Rookie Team. Through 618 snaps in the season, Turner did not allow a single sack and Turner surrendered just 11 quarterback disruptions. On September 6, 2016, Turner became the first solo offensive lineman since Nate Newton to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Turner played in Super Bowl 50.

Turner started all 16 games in 2016, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl. On July 20, 2017, Turner signed a four-year, $45 million contract extension with $20.5 million guaranteed. He started 13 games in 2017 before missing the final three games with a concussion. He returned in the wild card round of the playoffs, playing in every offensive snap as the Panthers lost 31–26 to the Saints. Turner was named to his third straight Pro Bowl as an injury replacement. Turner started 13 games in 2018, missing Week 2 and 3 with a concussion and Week 17 with an ankle injury. He also was named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl. He started 13 games in 2019, missing three due to injury. Furthermore, Turner was named to his fifth straight Pro Bowl.

Los Angeles Chargers Turner was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for Russell Okung on March 18, 2020. He started nine games at right guard before being released on March 12, 2021.

Pittsburgh Steelers Turner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 25, 2021.

Washington Commanders Turner signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders on May 3, 2022. He was named the starting right guard by the start of the 2022 season. In Week 4, Turner was benched in favor of Saahdiq Charles with head coach Ron Rivera stating "Trai isn't quite where he needs to be yet" following the end of the game. After playing in a reserve role for three games straight, Turner returned as a starter in Week 8.

New Orleans Saints On July 25, 2023, Turner signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. He suffered a torn quad three days later and was ruled out for the season. He was placed on injured reserve three days later.