DJ Turner II Bio
JuanDrago “DJ” Turner II (born November 9, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. A fast, technically sound defensive back, Turner quickly became a contributor in Cincinnati’s secondary after a productive career at Michigan.
Early Life and Background
Turner was born on November 9, 2000, in Suwanee, Georgia, and grew up in a community with a strong youth football culture. He attended North Gwinnett High School, where he developed into a promising defensive back prospect in the talent-rich state of Georgia. For his senior year, Turner transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, a national powerhouse known for preparing top athletes for the college level.
His experience at IMG Academy exposed Turner to elite competition and high-level coaching, which helped sharpen his coverage skills and football IQ. That preparation paid off when he committed to the University of Michigan to play college football, choosing the Wolverines over other suitors.
Path to American Football
Turner’s path to Division I football began in high school, where his combination of speed, length, and instincts made him a priority recruit. By competing against top-tier receivers at IMG Academy, he proved he could handle the physical and mental demands of major college football. His commitment to Michigan placed him in one of the Big Ten’s most respected defensive programs.
At Michigan, Turner worked his way up gradually, appearing in eight total games across his first two seasons in 2019 and 2020 while learning the Wolverines’ defensive scheme. In 2021, he broke out by playing in all 14 games and making eight starts, finishing the year with 33 tackles, two interceptions, and one touchdown. He returned as a starter in 2022 and earned Second-team All-Big Ten recognition, intercepting one pass and returning a fumble 45 yards for a touchdown.
DJ Turner II Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Turner’s first two years at Michigan were about development. He appeared in eight total games in 2019 and 2020, working behind more experienced defensive backs and adjusting to the speed of the college game. The Wolverines’ coaching staff used those seasons to refine his footwork, press-coverage technique, and ball-tracking skills.
In 2021, Turner emerged as a full-time contributor. He played in all 14 games, made eight starts, and totaled 33 tackles with two interceptions and a touchdown. He then returned as a starter in 2022, picking off one pass and returning a fumble 45 yards for a score, performance that earned him Second-team All-Big Ten honors and put him firmly on NFL scouts’ radar.
NFL Breakthrough with the Cincinnati Bengals (2023)
Turner was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round, 60th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. He joined a Bengals secondary that needed depth, and he quickly worked into the team’s cornerback rotation during his rookie season.
In Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, Bengals’ starting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie was ruled out with a back injury, leading to Turner getting his first career start. Turner would finish the game with four total tackles and one pass deflection, grading the highest of all the Bengals’ cornerbacks in the 34–20 win. He recorded his first career sack in the Bengals’ Week 10 contest against the Baltimore Ravens, and recovered a fumble the following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, returning it 28 yards. Turner finished his rookie season with 50 tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery, and seven pass deflections.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2024–Present)
Despite starting 12 games as a rookie, Turner was named the Bengals’ second-string cornerback to begin the 2024 season, backing up Daxton Hill. The plan was for Turner to continue developing in a rotational role while remaining a key piece of the secondary.
Hill would go out with a season-ending knee injury during the Bengals’ Week 5 game against the Baltimore Ravens, thrusting Turner back into the starting role. Turner suffered a broken clavicle in Week 11 and was placed on injured reserve on November 19, ending his 2024 campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
Turner is known for his coverage instincts and physicality at the line of scrimmage. He plays with good length and quick reactions, traits that allow him to contest catches against bigger receivers. His ball-hawking tendencies, evidenced by his interceptions and pass deflections, have made him a reliable presence in the Bengals’ secondary.
Notable Events and Milestones
Turner’s first career start against the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, where he graded out as the team’s top cornerback, was an early sign of his NFL potential. His first career sack against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10 of 2023 and his 28-yard fumble return the following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers highlighted his playmaking ability as a rookie.
DJ Turner II Career Wins
As a cornerback, DJ Turner II’s professional achievements are measured through defensive statistics and team victories rather than individual race wins. His rookie contributions helped the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense in several key matchups during the 2023 season.
Cincinnati Bengals Highlights
Turner appeared in significant action for the Bengals during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He finished his rookie season with 50 tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery, and seven pass deflections, providing a major boost to Cincinnati’s secondary. His first career win as a starter came against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 of 2023.
DJ Turner II Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about DJ Turner II’s family background are not widely published. Born in Suwanee, Georgia, he has kept much of his personal and family life out of the public eye as he focuses on his NFL career.
2025 Season Performance
DJ Turner II entered 2025 looking to build on his early NFL resume and return from the broken clavicle that cut his 2024 season short. Coming off injured reserve, he was expected to compete for a prominent role in the Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary.
His progress through the 2025 offseason programs and training camp was a focal point for the Bengals’ coaching staff, which had counted on him as a starting-caliber cornerback before his injury. If healthy, Turner projects as a key piece of Cincinnati’s defensive backfield, with the speed and coverage skills to match up with top receivers.
With the Bengals aiming to return to postseason contention in 2025, Turner’s ability to stay on the field and produce at a high level will be central to the team’s defensive outlook. A strong, healthy campaign would cement his status as a long-term starter in the NFL.