NFL Draft Prospect DJ Turner: His Journey, Fatherhood, and the Power of Staying Focused

Feb 8

In the latest episode of the podcast, three hosts catch up with NFL draft prospect DJ Turner, just weeks before the 2021 draft. Nerves are evident as DJ prepares for the biggest day of his life, but he opens up to the team about the importance of staying focused in the face of adversity, discussing Law #12: Stay Focused.

Draft day is more than just a single day; it's months of preparation, putting oneself in front of teams, coaches, and scouts, all of whom are trying to identify the next big talent. DJ owns up to the anticipation, admitting that it's written all over his body language. But the team reassures him that they are there to have an authentic chat, and he relaxes a little.

Given the current climate, DJ talks about his journey to the draft and the new experiences he has learned from. Growing up in Maryland, he talks about how this shaped him as an athlete, and how adversity has developed his "can't go like that" mentality, meaning he always finds a way to make things work. The team agrees that this is a great mindset to live by.

Host Deonte has a special connection to DJ, having played with him in high school at DeMatha Catholic High School. He's seen DJ grow into his talent, from high school to college, and now as he knocks on the door of the NFL. DJ acknowledges that sports are a business and talks about how he has learned from past mistakes, realizing that it's important to learn from them and not let them define him.

DJ gets candid about fatherhood, discussing finding out his girlfriend was pregnant, telling his mother, and the support he received from his teams and coaches. Blessed to be in a situation where both institutions he played for during her pregnancy were supportive, he expresses gratitude for the support as he entered fatherhood. DJ's girlfriend and son even join in on the show, bringing a smile to everyone's face.

To close, Tykera asks DJ for any final thoughts, and he encourages the audience to stay optimistic through any decision they make, fighting towards their goals, and learning from their mistakes to become better people, not just for themselves but for others too. The team wishes DJ luck in the upcoming draft, and his story is a perfect embodiment of Law #12: Stay Focused.