By Lisa Zimmerman,
Professional athlete, check. Motivational speaker, check. Spiritual advisor, check. Successful businessman, check. Texas State Representative, check. Honorary doctorate recipient, check. Forty-three-year-old Texas native and former NFL cornerback Scott Turner has made a success out of virtually everything he’s taken on.
After a strong college career at the University of Illinois, the former NFL defensive back spent nine years in the league playing for the Washington Redskins (who drafted him in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft), San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. Turner had majored in speech communications knowing that the idea of public speaking was something that intrigued him and that he needed a Plan B beyond football, but he had no idea the path – in actuality paths - he would actually end up embarking on.
“I realized the Lord had given me a gift to speak and encourage,” he said. “It was raw talent. I knew it was something I wanted to do post-college and post-NFL. I didn’t know early on where the speaking would manifest itself. I spoke a lot in college, but it was to sports teams at the local high schools, youth conventions, sports banquets, things a lot of college kids get the opportunity to do.”
His speaking opportunities continued through college and then, during his first year, playing in the nation’s capitol, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the government, he felt a small flicker of interest. Fast-forward five years to 2003, while playing for the Denver Broncos, a pamphlet was placed in his locker outlining several internships available through the NFL. The last one on the list was one for U.S. Congress.
“I said, ‘That’s me,” Turner recalled.
His internship with Duncan Hunter, a Republican congressman from California who served 28 years in Congress and was the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, opened his eyes and inspired him further.
“He’s a true statesman, “Turner said. “He took me under his wing. Took me to military bases where I would speak to returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s where I got really involved. I was very blessed in that Duncan was a mentor to me. He was a true servant leader. I got to see the good and the bad of our nation’s politics. During that time my heart was sparked for service to our country and the citizens of America and with the platform and talent the Lord blessed me with, I wanted to give back. Bring leadership, be an example for young people and athletes, for people to see that you can do something out of the norm.”
After Turner retired from the NFL in 2003, Congressman Hunter offered him a full-time job in his office, which he quickly accepted. He soon decided it was time to dip his toe in the political pond himself and in 2006 launched his first political campaign, running in the Republican primary for an empty California congressional seat. He had a poor showing there, but knew it was just a matter of time before he would try again. Turner headed back home to Texas where he became involved in a software business and continued his motivational speaking.
In 2012, Turner ran for State Representative of the 33rd District of the Texas House of Representatives, an area just north of Dallas. He won. An outcome he calls, “A tremendous honor.”
He credits his upbringing with laying the foundation for his focus, drive and commitment. “My mom and dad and my godparents always taught me to serve others,” he said. “They always instilled in me to look out for other people and to work hard and to have a tremendous faith. Not everyone does it and that’s what separates people. It’s not easy; you just have to make up in your mind that’s what you’re going to do.”
And that drive means that one job is just not quite enough for Turner. He and his wife, Robin, own a company called Statesman Clothiers. It is a men’s fashion line that offers custom-made clothing, especially for men who have a hard time buying off the rack. And, who does all of the in-person consulting and measuring? That would be Turner.
His work ethic and ability to multi-task started young when he and his father, who has worked for the same company for the past 35 years, started a janitorial business on the side, cleaning local businesses at night.
Added to his list of commitments is his role as Chief Inspiration Officer for Systemware, a software company, and serving as one of the NFL’s Legends Community coordinators and transition coaches, which is a very personal undertaking.
“I want to give back what I’ve been given to my peers, both active and former players, to help them in their transition (out of the NFL),” he said. “I meet with players all the time who are making career transitions and changes. My wife and I counsel former players and families all the time. We did that before I became a transition coach. It’s a tremendous program.”
All of Turner’s various endeavors have not gone unnoticed. In January, Dallas Baptist University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate, which requires a unanimous vote by the nominating committee.
But of utmost importance is for Turner to instill the same drive and confidence his family instilled in him so many years ago to everyone with whom he comes into contact, and most especially to his NFL peers.
“The same determination, focus and heart that you tapped into and utilized to get to the NFL and stay in the NFL is the same determination, focus and heart that you use to go into your next phase of your life,” Turner said. “Fear will cripple you and paralyze you and cause you not to do the thing you have a passion to do. You have to overcome fear. The way you overcome it is to say ‘yes’ to your passion and ‘yes’ to your dream. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Be who you are. When you get out of the NFL you’re the same guy.”