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.[2] He made his first start at right guard in a win over number 3 ranked South Carolina.[2] In 559 snaps, Turner finished second on the team with 51 pancake blocks.[2] LSU had a 100-yard rusher from four of the seven games in which Turner started. In his redshirt sophomore year, Turner started and played in all 13 games.
In his final collegiate game at the 2014 Outback Bowl, Turner registered a season-high 10 pancake blocks and helped pave the way for 220 rushing yards against Iowa in a win.[2] For his career, Turner played a total of 1,416 snaps with 115 pancake blocks.[2] He opted to forgo final two years of eligibility at LSU and entered into the 2014 NFL draft after his sophomore season.[3][4]
Turner was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2014 NFL draft.[7] On June 4, 2014, Turner signed a four-year contract.[8] As a rookie, during the preseason, Turner won the starting right guard position on the Panther offensive line over veteran Chris Scott.[8] Turner made his NFL debut on September 7, 2014, in Carolina's 20–14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[9] 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.[10] On December 23, 2014, Turner was named to Sports Illustrated All-Rookie Team.[11] Through 618 snaps in the season, Turner did not allow a single sack and Turner surrendered just 11 quarterback disruptions.[11]
Through the first three games of the 2015 season, he did not allow a sack and surrendered just three quarterback pressures. Turner had not allowed a sack for the past 627 snaps, the third-longest streak in the NFL at left guard. Turner was selected for his first career Pro Bowl during the season.[12] On September 6, 2016, Turner became the first solo offensive lineman since Nate Newton to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.[13] Turner played in Super Bowl 50.[14]
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.[15] 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.[16] 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.[17] He started nine games at right guard before being released on March 12, 2021.[18]
Pittsburgh Steelers
Turner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 25, 2021.[19]
Washington Commanders
Turner signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders on May 3, 2022.[20] 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.[21] After playing in a reserve role for three games straight, Turner returned as a starter in Week 8.[22]
New Orleans Saints
On July 25, 2023, Turner signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.[23] He suffered a torn quad three days later and was ruled out for the season.[24] He was placed on injured reserve three days later.[25]
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