Delarrin Turner-Yell Bio
Delarrin Turner-Yell (born December 16, 1999) is an American professional football safety who has spent his NFL career with the Denver Broncos. After starring collegiately as a defensive back for the Oklahoma Sooners, he entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Known for his tackling and instincts in the secondary, Turner-Yell has worked to carve out a role in a competitive Denver defensive backfield. His young career has included both promising early production and significant injury setbacks that have tested his resilience.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 201 pounds, Turner-Yell plays a physical brand of football at the safety position. He continues to pursue a foothold in the league while representing the Broncos organization.
Early Life and Background
Delarrin Turner-Yell was born on December 16, 1999, in Hempstead, Texas. He grew up in the same small Texas community and attended Hempstead High School, where he developed into a standout multi-sport athlete. The football culture of Texas, particularly in the high school ranks, helped shape his early approach to the game and gave him a platform to display his defensive skills.
Coming out of high school, Turner-Yell was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. His recruitment drew attention from several college programs, including Baylor, Houston, and Iowa, reflecting the respect his high school film had earned among scouting services. He ultimately chose to take his talents to the Big 12 Conference.
Path to American Football
On August 26, 2017, Turner-Yell committed to the University of Oklahoma to continue his football career. He joined a Sooners program with a strong tradition of developing defensive backs for the next level, and he worked his way into a meaningful role throughout his time in Norman. His collegiate progression allowed him to refine his technique as a safety while adjusting to the speed and complexity of major college football schemes.
By his upperclassman years, Turner-Yell had become a regular contributor for the Sooners defense. In 2021, his strong senior campaign earned him Second-team All-Big 12 recognition, validating his development and raising his profile ahead of the NFL Draft. That performance positioned him as a legitimate professional prospect entering the pre-draft process.
Delarrin Turner-Yell Career
Early Career (2022)
Turner-Yell was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round, 152nd overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. He joined a Broncos secondary in transition and quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff during training camp. His willingness to play aggressively in run support made him an appealing option for a defense that valued physicality in the box.
As a rookie in 2022, Turner-Yell appeared in 14 games and recorded two fumble recoveries, demonstrating a nose for the football in limited defensive opportunities. His debut season provided a foundation of NFL experience and offered a glimpse of the playmaking potential that had marked his college career.
NFL Breakthrough and Setbacks (2023)
Entering his second professional season, Turner-Yell aimed to expand his role within the Broncos defense. He continued to appear in game action and contributed on special teams, where his tackling ability translated effectively. The 2023 campaign represented an important step in his development as he adjusted to the demands of a full NFL schedule.
His progress was interrupted late in the season. During Week 17 of 2023 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Turner-Yell suffered a torn ACL, a serious knee injury that ended his season. On January 4, 2024, the Broncos placed him on injured reserve as he began the long road to recovery.
Denver Broncos Era (2024–Present)
Turner-Yell entered the 2024 season on the physically unable to perform list while continuing his rehabilitation. Unfortunately, the recovery timeline did not allow him to return to the field, and he missed the entire 2024 campaign. The extended absence was a difficult stretch for a young player seeking to establish himself in the league.
On August 26, 2025, the Broncos waived Turner-Yell as part of their roster decisions. The following day, August 27, 2025, he was re-signed to the team’s practice squad, allowing him to remain within the organization and continue his pursuit of a return to the active roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Turner-Yell is recognized for his physical tackling and willingness to support the run game from the safety position. He displays strong instincts near the line of scrimmage and has shown a knack for forcing fumbles, as evidenced by his two recoveries as a rookie. His compact build and aggressive mentality allow him to thrive in contested situations against larger ball carriers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Turner-Yell’s young career are his fifth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and his immediate contribution to Denver’s defense during his rookie season. The 2023 ACL tear stands as the most significant obstacle he has faced, while his 2025 return to the Broncos practice squad marks a determined effort to revive his professional trajectory.
Delarrin Turner-Yell Career Wins
As a defensive player, Delarrin Turner-Yell’s professional contributions are measured through statistical production and team success rather than individual victories. His two fumble recoveries as a rookie in 2022 remain his most notable counting statistics at the NFL level. He continues to pursue additional milestones as he works back from injury.
Broncos Highlights
Turner-Yell has appeared in 14 regular-season games during his time with the Denver Broncos, all coming during his 2022 rookie campaign. His most recent statistical contribution of note came in that debut season, when he recovered two opponent fumbles. He has yet to record an interception or start a regular-season game, opportunities he continues to pursue upon returning to full health.
Other Wins & Performances
At the collegiate level, Turner-Yell earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2021, representing one of the top individual accolades of his football career. He also helped contribute to Oklahoma’s defensive efforts as a multi-year starter in the Sooners secondary.
Delarrin Turner-Yell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Delarrin Turner-Yell grew up in Hempstead, Texas, where he attended Hempstead High School and began his football journey. Public information about his immediate family and any broader sports lineage within the Turner-Yell household is not widely documented.
Personal Life
Turner-Yell keeps his personal life largely private, and verified public information about a spouse, children, or marital status is not currently available. His public presence is primarily tied to his football career with the Denver Broncos.
2025 Season Performance
Delarrin Turner-Yell’s 2025 campaign began on a difficult note when the Broncos waived him on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts. The move was not a reflection of his long-term potential but rather a numbers decision tied to his recovery from the prior ACL injury. Less than 24 hours later, on August 27, 2025, Denver re-signed him to its practice squad, keeping him within the organization and in position to be elevated when healthy.
Remaining on the practice squad allows Turner-Yell to continue his rehabilitation under the Broncos’ medical and training staff while staying engaged with the team’s defensive system. The arrangement gives him a clear pathway back to the active roster if injuries or performance needs open a spot in the secondary.
For Turner-Yell, the 2025 season is as much about health and opportunity as it is about on-field production. A successful return to practice and game action would represent a meaningful step in his comeback and could set the stage for a more substantial role with the Broncos in the seasons ahead.