Payton Turner Bio
Payton Turner (born January 7, 1999) is an American professional football defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Houston Cougars and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. Standing roughly 198 cm tall and weighing about 122 kg, Turner has built his career as a pass rusher at the professional level since entering the league.
After four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Turner signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys on March 11, 2025, beginning a new chapter in his NFL career. His combination of size, length, and athleticism has made him a developmental prospect whose role has continued to grow as he has gained experience.
Early Life and Background
Payton Turner was born on January 7, 1999, in Houston, Texas, USA. He grew up in the same city where he would later become a standout high school athlete, and he attended Westside High School in Houston. At Westside, Turner played both basketball and football, showcasing the athletic versatility that would later catch the attention of college recruiters.
Turner developed his frame and physical tools during his high school years, eventually drawing interest from college football programs. His combination of size and mobility on the football field helped him secure a path to the collegiate level, where he would go on to play for the Houston Cougars. The familiarity of staying in his hometown allowed Turner to focus on his development as a defensive player.
His time at Westside High School helped lay the foundation for his future career, exposing him to competitive football in one of Texas’s talent-rich regions. Turner graduated from Westside and transitioned directly to college football with the University of Houston program.
Path to American Football
Turner joined the Houston Cougars as a college football player and spent four seasons developing within the program. He became a member of the Cougars’ pass rush rotation during his freshman year, finishing that debut season with 14 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Those numbers gave an early indication of his ability to disrupt opposing backfields.
His sophomore season was cut short due to a foot injury, which temporarily slowed his progress. Turner recovered and returned to the field, starting his final three collegiate seasons and growing into a more prominent role on the Cougars’ defense. By his senior year, he had established himself as one of the team’s most impactful defensive players.
As a senior in 2020, Turner was named second-team All-American Athletic Conference after recording 25 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and five sacks in just five games played. He missed two games that season due to injury and also opted out of the New Mexico Bowl. Following the season, Turner participated in the 2021 Senior Bowl, which helped raise his profile ahead of the NFL draft.
Payton Turner Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Turner’s professional career began when he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (28th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with New Orleans on June 8, 2021, officially beginning his time with the franchise. As a first-round pick, expectations were high for the young defensive end to contribute to the Saints’ pass rush.
His rookie season was interrupted on November 11, 2021, when Turner was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. The setback limited his ability to establish early momentum in the league, but he remained a long-term developmental piece for the Saints’ defensive front.
New Orleans Saints Era (2021–2024)
Turner spent his first four NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints after being drafted 28th overall in 2021. The Saints viewed him as a long-term pass-rushing prospect, and he worked to develop his technique and strength within their defensive scheme. His time in New Orleans was marked by flashes of potential, though injuries continued to play a role in his availability.
On September 13, 2023, Turner was placed on injured reserve after suffering a turf toe injury in the Saints’ season opener against the Tennessee Titans. The injury sidelined him for an extended stretch of the 2023 season, and he was activated on January 5, 2024, returning to action late in the year. Despite the missed time, Turner remained part of the Saints’ defensive rotation throughout his tenure with the team.
After the 2024 season, Turner’s time in New Orleans came to a close, opening the door for a new opportunity elsewhere. He departed the Saints having shown glimpses of his pass-rushing ability while navigating the challenges of injuries during his rookie contract.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2025–Present)
On March 11, 2025, Turner signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, beginning a new phase of his NFL career. The move gave him an opportunity to reset and compete for a role within a new defensive system. His contract with Dallas is scheduled to run through the 2026 offseason, giving both sides a chance to evaluate the fit.
Turner joined the Cowboys’ defensive line group looking to carve out a consistent role as a pass rusher and run defender. His size and athletic profile made him a candidate to contribute on early downs and in passing situations. The Dallas organization offered him a fresh start following a challenging stretch of injuries in New Orleans.
The early portion of Turner’s Cowboys tenure represents a chance to establish himself as a reliable contributor and showcase the development that began during his time at Houston and the Saints. His performance in 2025 will be closely watched as he works to solidify his place within the team’s defensive rotation.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant moments of Turner’s career came when he was selected 28th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 NFL draft, marking him as a first-round pick. His participation in the 2021 Senior Bowl further highlighted his standing among the top defensive prospects in his class. Being named second-team All-American Athletic Conference in 2020 also stands out as a key college milestone that helped launch his professional path.
Payton Turner Career Wins
Payton Turner’s professional resume is still in development, with his career trajectory shaped more by his draft status and potential than by a long list of statistical accolades. Selected 28th overall in 2021, he entered the NFL as a high-upside defensive end whose role has continued to grow despite injury interruptions. His career wins are best measured by the opportunities he has earned, including a first-round selection, a four-year rookie contract, and a subsequent free-agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
New Orleans Saints Highlights
During his time with the New Orleans Saints from 2021 through 2024, Turner’s primary achievement was securing a first-round draft selection and signing his rookie contract on June 8, 2021. Although specific win totals and statistical milestones from his Saints tenure are not detailed in available records, his selection in the first round represented a major validation of his college production. His activations from injured reserve, including his return on January 5, 2024, marked personal milestones in his recovery and perseverance.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, Turner’s most notable performance came during his senior season at Houston in 2020, when he earned second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. In just five games played, he recorded 25 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and five sacks, demonstrating disruptive ability before injuries and his decision to opt out of the New Mexico Bowl. His showing at the 2021 Senior Bowl further cemented his reputation as one of the top defensive ends in his draft class.
Payton Turner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Payton Turner’s family background is limited, and detailed records about his parents or extended relatives are not widely documented in available sources. He grew up in Houston, Texas, where he attended Westside High School and developed his athletic foundation. Any deeper family connections within football or other sports are not clearly established in verified sources.
Personal Life
Verified details about Turner’s personal life, including marital status, spouse, or children, are not currently available in public records. He is known to be active on social media, where fans can follow his career updates. Turner continues to focus on his professional football career as he begins his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a fresh start for Payton Turner with the Dallas Cowboys after signing a one-year contract on March 11, 2025. Joining a new defensive system, Turner is expected to compete for snaps as a pass rusher and rotational defensive end. His size, length, and prior first-round pedigree give him a chance to carve out a meaningful role within the Cowboys’ defensive front.
After dealing with shoulder and turf toe injuries in previous seasons, Turner’s health and availability will be central storylines to monitor throughout 2025. Staying on the field consistently would allow him to build on the development he began in New Orleans and showcase the skills that made him a top draft pick in 2021. His performance during the season will play a key role in determining his long-term future in the league.
Looking ahead, Turner’s outlook with Dallas is tied to his ability to translate his physical tools into on-field production. The Cowboys’ defensive staff will look to maximize his pass-rushing potential while integrating him into their overall scheme. A productive 2025 campaign could position Turner for a more substantial role and longer-term contract opportunities beyond his current deal.