Turley ready to revive career in Kansas City

By Krupka  |   Monday, June 12, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

Kansas City Chiefs
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
On Sunday, former St. Louis Rams/New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Kyle Turley and the Kansas City Chiefs reached a preliminary agreement that would officially return Turley where he belongs; as a tackle, on the gridiron, on Sundays.

For the better part of the offseason, there had been rumblings that the passionate tackle would make his return to the NFL, although there was speculation as to whether or not it would be at his natural tackle position. A few teams, including the Miami Dolphins, worked him out as a tight end. In the past few weeks he has worked out for the Dolphins and Chiefs, while drawing interest from others, most notably the Denver Broncos.

Turley, 30, is best known for his tattoos and fierce competitive nature, which happens to be the cause of his most memorable moment on the football field. On ESPN's Sunday Night Football in November 2001, Turley ripped the helmet off of New York Jets safety Damien Robinson and threw it down the field. The action was spurred on from Robinson grabbing the facemask and twisting the helmet of then Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks. Turley took offense to the mistreatment of his quarterback, the man who his job is to protect. Much to the chagrin of the Saints' organization, he let his emotions get the better of him. Turley was consequently ejected and fined $25,000 for conduct detrimental to the team. The penalty ended the Saints' final chance to tie or win the game and they lost 16-9.

The wild antics didn't scare the Chiefs away, though. When healthy, Turley is an excellent run-blocker and solid pass-blocker. His aggressive attitude should be welcomed with open arms by the coaching staff and locker room.

Not to mention the greatest thing of all about Turley, which usually gets overlooked, is his tremendous heart. Not only for the game, but as a human being. Off the field, he is one of the NFL's most charitable players. For those that don't know, after 9/11 he helped raise an enormous amount of money. Then, this past year after Hurricane Katrina, he once again showed his big heart and charitable nature by raising money for the victims, driving down to New Orleans to help out, and offering to use his truck to help haul the Saints players' possessions to San Antonio.

His last game action was in the divisional playoffs as a member of the Rams in January 2004. They were defeated by the Carolina Panthers in double overtime.

Back injuries forced Turley to miss the entire '04 and '05 season. He has lost a considerable amount of weight since his last playing days, in part to help relieve the stress on his back. All along, he has never once felt he wouldn't play again, and was vehemently against retirement.

In 1998, Turley was the No. 7 overall pick by the Saints. Prior to the 2003 season he was shipped to the Rams for a second-round pick in the draft. He will compete with John Welbourn, Kevin Sampson and Jordan Black for the starting right tackle position.

The only question remaining is his physical health. Turley surely hasn't lost the passion, drive, or itch to play the game. So, barring an injury, Turley should be a phenomenal addition to an already stellar Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line. The only thing left to make the signing official is a physical expected to be taken Monday. All indications are that Turley will pass the physical and sign on the dotted line to a two-year contract with the team.

Defensive ends and Damien Robinson look out, Kyle Turley is back.

Get more Kyle Turley insights at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (3)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report