DJ Turner Bio
Darryl “D.J.” Turner II (born January 18, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 205 pounds, Turner has built a career through persistence after entering the National Football League without being selected in the draft. He is best known for his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he has bounced between the practice squad and the active roster since 2021.
After playing college football for the Maryland Terrapins and the Pittsburgh Panthers, Turner signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent. His professional journey has been defined by determination, resilience, and the ability to return to the field after injuries and roster moves.
Early Life and Background
Darryl “D.J.” Turner II was born on January 18, 1997, in Glenarden, Maryland. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, he was surrounded by a strong football culture that helped shape his early interest in the sport. Glenarden, a small community in Prince George’s County, has produced several athletes who went on to compete at high levels of American football.
Turner attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, one of the most respected football programs in the region. DeMatha has a long tradition of developing skilled players, and Turner used his time there to sharpen the route-running and catching skills that would later define his role as a wide receiver. His performance at DeMatha earned him the opportunity to continue his career at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Following high school, Turner joined the University of Maryland, College Park, where he played for the Maryland Terrapins for four seasons. During his time with the Terrapins, he worked to establish himself as a reliable target in the passing game, contributing on offense while learning the demands of Big Ten competition.
For his final year of eligibility, Turner transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to play for the Pittsburgh Panthers. The move gave him a fresh start in the Atlantic Coast Conference and a chance to showcase his skills against top-tier competition. Across his college career at both programs, Turner recorded 68 receptions for 928 yards and four touchdowns, finishing his amateur career with steady production and a reputation for dependable hands.
DJ Turner Career
Early Career (2021)
Turner signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2021, beginning his professional career in the NFL. Despite going unselected in the draft, he earned an opportunity to compete at the highest level of American football. His rookie season was spent primarily on the practice squad, where he focused on adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
That first year allowed Turner to learn the Raiders’ offensive system, build relationships with coaches, and develop the physical habits required to survive a long professional season. While he did not see regular game action in 2021, his work behind the scenes helped set the stage for his promotion the following year.
Las Vegas Raiders Breakthrough (2022)
In 2022, Turner made the Raiders’ 53-man roster, officially reaching the active NFL roster for the first time in his career. The milestone represented the payoff for a year of preparation on the practice squad and validated his decision to keep pushing despite going undrafted.
However, his 2022 season proved challenging. On September 14, 2022, Turner was placed on the injured reserve list after sustaining an injury. He was activated on October 22, 2022, returning to the active roster in time to contribute during the middle of the season. His time on the field was short-lived, as he was waived on December 17, 2022, before being re-signed to the practice squad three days later. On January 9, 2023, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders, securing his place with the organization going into the next league year.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2023–Present)
Turner’s 2023 campaign brought another round of adversity. He was waived/injured on August 12, 2023, and placed on injured reserve before being fully waived on August 17, 2023. The early-season release tested his resolve, but Turner continued to work toward another opportunity in the league.
On October 16, 2023, the Raiders signed Turner back to their practice squad, rewarding his persistence with another chance to prove himself. He was promoted to the active roster on November 11, 2023, giving him a late-season opportunity to contribute on game days. Turner continued his association with the organization when, on October 21, 2025, he was signed to the Raiders practice squad once again.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Turner’s career came when he made the Raiders’ 53-man roster in 2022, a significant achievement for any undrafted player. His repeated transitions between the practice squad and the active roster highlight his value as a dependable depth player who can step in when called upon. Turner’s journey reflects the resilience required to sustain a long NFL career without the security of a draft pedigree.
DJ Turner Career Wins
As a wide receiver whose professional path has featured stints on practice squads and brief active-roster appearances, Turner’s career wins are best measured in perseverance and roster survival rather than headline statistics. His consistent ability to return to the Raiders organization after each release demonstrates the trust the coaching staff has placed in his work ethic and reliability.
Las Vegas Raiders Highlights
Turner’s most notable achievement with the Raiders is making the 53-man roster in 2022 after spending his entire rookie year on the practice squad. He also successfully navigated injuries and roster cuts to return to the active roster in late 2023. Each return to the team represents a win in its own right, underscoring his reputation as a player who earns every opportunity he receives.
DJ Turner Family
Personal Life
Darryl “D.J.” Turner II was raised in Glenarden, Maryland, and has remained closely tied to his roots in the Washington, D.C. area. His path through DeMatha Catholic High School and two major college football programs reflects the strong support system that helped him pursue a professional career in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Turner’s 2025 NFL season is centered on reclaiming a stable role with the Las Vegas Raiders. On October 21, 2025, he was signed back to the team’s practice squad, signaling the organization’s continued belief in his potential to contribute on special teams or as a depth receiver.
Given his history of moving between the practice squad and the active roster, Turner’s outlook for the rest of 2025 depends largely on staying healthy and being ready when injuries or performance issues open opportunities on the 53-man roster. His familiarity with the Raiders’ offensive scheme and his proven track record of returning from setbacks make him a reliable depth option for the coaching staff.
While his 2025 stat line may not be the focus, Turner’s continued presence in the Raiders’ organization speaks to the value he brings in the meeting room and on the practice field. For an undrafted player entering his fifth professional season, simply remaining in the NFL is itself a meaningful accomplishment.