Adrian Fedkiw
Former Philadelphia Eagles fullback Kevin Turner passed away after a near six-year battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 46.
The Alabama product was drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots in 1992. He played for the Eagles from 1995-99.
Head coach Doug Pederson played with Turner in 1999.
“It’s a sad day,” he said. “Even though I only spent one year of my career with Kevin Turner in Philadelphia, it didn’t take but more than a few days to know how special of a person he was, how great of a teammate he was, and how great of a leader he was in the locker room. He was a special person on and off the field. I will always remember the great work his foundation did over the years and I will always remember the way he fought until the very end.”
Duce Staley was in the same backfield as Turner from 1997-99.
“There was no one more serious and more prepared than Kevin Turner,” he said. “His professionalism and respect were second to none. He made me a better pro. We lost a good man and a good teammate today. We will all miss him.”
Owner Jeffrey Lurie chimed in as well.
“We lost a special person today in Kevin Turner,” he said. “He was extremely courageous and inspiring throughout his life. I will never forget how excited we were when we signed him in 1995 and how valuable of a player he was leading the way for Ricky Watters, Charlie Garner and Duce Staley. But as good of a football player as he was, he was even a better man. His high character, kindness and respectful nature stood out to me the most.”
Prayers and blessing go out to a former teammate of mine Kevin Turner, unfortunately he passed away. Great mentor and friend. KT we miss you
— Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb) March 24, 2016
RIP KT #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/IDM2W2gJMT
— Ike Reese (@Ike58Reese) March 24, 2016
My heart is so heavy right now. Rest peacefully Kevin Turner. I'm so honored I had the opportunity to meet you. pic.twitter.com/7L01rB0X8P
— Natalie Egenolf (@NatalieEgenolf) March 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/TheMightyEROCK/status/713066587100733440
After being diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2010, Turner started the Kevin Turner Foundation to help bring attention to not only the disease, but sports-related brain injuries as well.
Find out more about his foundation here.