Ex-Aggie kicked his way into two Super Bowls
Life has been a good ride for Jim Turner.
This 1963 history and political science graduate of Utah State University has made his mark well beyond Cache Valley.
Originally from Crockett, Calif., Turner sported number 11 after earning a scholarship to play on the USU football team as a backup quarterback and kicker.
“Thinking back, that was probably some of the best football ever played [under Coach John Ralston],” Turner said.
According to the Web site utahstateaggies.fansonly.com, Ralston’s coaching career ended with a 73 percent winning average with 31 wins, 11 losses and one tie.
Turner is ranked seventh at USU for scoring 55 extra points in 1961. He is also the only Aggie to return a fumble for 100 yards against Idaho State in 1962. Also, in 1962 Turner also led the team in scoring with 70 points, according to the Web site.
From 1964 to 1970 Turner went to New York to play for the Jets as a kicker.
“I never thought I’d have the opportunity,” Turner said. “When I retired in 1980, I was the second-leading scorer in the history of football.”
Between seasons Turner returned to California to earn California teaching credentials and a master’s degree at San Francisco State University. He substitute taught to earn money.
“No one made money [in the NFL],” Turner said. “[Some earned] $8,500 a year.”
He said he hopes players in the sport today are playing for the love of the game and not for the money involved.
“The game is bigger and better than all of us,” he said.
During his tenure with the Jets, Turner saw his first Super Bowl game appearance as a professional football player in 1969. The Jets went on to win that game defeating the Baltimore Colts 17-6. Turner scored eight of those points in three field goals and one extra point.
“It was a great ride,” Turner said. “A lot of guys never see one [Super Bowl].”
Turner saw two.
In 1971 he left the Jets to join the Denver Broncos who played in Super Bowl XII against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite losing that game 27-10, Turner still managed to kick a field goal and an extra point, according to www.nfl.com.
Turner played for Denver until 1980 and went to work for NBC Sports calling games for five and one-half years.
“It was a good transition,” Turner said. “[It makes it easier] to stay close to the game and get it out of your blood.”
Life has changed for Turner since the NFL days. After working for NBC Sports, Turner continued broadcasting with a radio station in the Denver area for 14 years.
Now he works as an academic coach for at-risk youth at Jefferson High School in the Denver area.
“I help out with the football team,” he said. “We help keep them off the streets, in school and academically growing. It’s a challenge and I like the kids.”
After suffering a heart attack in July 2001, Turner is still recovering with regular exercise on a treadmill and bike.
“There are some good farm roads without too much traffic,” he said. “I would like to go up Logan Canyon or into Tremonton.”
The last time Turner visited USU was approximately one and one-half years ago. He said the school is a bit different than when he was a student.
“It’s crowded,” he said. “I don’t think we even had a fourth [of the current population.]”
Turner reflected on some things that never change about USU.
“I remember getting on sleds and going down Old Main Hill,” he said. “Holy jeez, did it get cold.”
Turner said he is glad he was fortunate to go to USU.
“I loved being an Aggie,” he said.
He now lives in Arvada, Colo., with his two cats.