Cole Turner Bio
Nicolas “Cole” Turner is an American professional football tight end currently playing in the National Football League. After playing college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack, he was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Turner has continued his career with the Tennessee Titans and, most recently, the Miami Dolphins.
Early Life and Background
Nicolas Cole Turner was born on March 16, 2000, in Clackamas, Oregon. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended Clackamas High School, where he was a two-sport athlete in football and basketball. Turner helped lead his high school football team to three consecutive conference titles and a state championship in 2017.
As a senior at Clackamas, Turner led the state of Oregon in receiving with 76 receptions for 1,325 yards and 20 touchdowns, earning all-state honors. His size, length, and production as a high school receiver helped establish him as a college prospect in the region.
Path to American Football
Turner enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2018 and quickly joined the Nevada Wolf Pack football program. He appeared in 12 games as a freshman, lining up at wide receiver while adjusting to the college level. The transition from high school to the Mountain West Conference gave Turner early exposure to professional-style schemes.
Before his sophomore season, the Nevada coaching staff asked Turner to move from wide receiver to tight end, a change that would ultimately shape his professional path. The position switch allowed him to use his 6-foot-6 frame and catching ability while taking on more in-line responsibilities.
Cole Turner Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Turner’s development at Nevada was steady and well-documented. As a sophomore in 2020, he earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors after posting nine touchdown catches, finishing second on the team with 49 receptions and 605 receiving yards behind teammate Romeo Doubs.
In his senior season of 2021, Turner was named to the All-Mountain West second team after recording 10 touchdown catches, a total that tied for second among tight ends nationally behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers. He closed his college career by participating in the 2022 Senior Bowl, where he showcased his skills in front of NFL scouts.
Washington Commanders Breakthrough (2022–2025)
Turner was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round, 149th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft and signed his four-year rookie contract on May 6, 2022. He spent his first three professional seasons in Washington, working primarily as a depth tight end and contributing on special teams.
On August 27, 2024, Turner was waived by the Commanders as part of final roster cuts and joined their practice squad the following day. On January 28, 2025, he signed a reserve and future contract with Washington, and he remained with the organization through the 2025 preseason before being waived again on August 26, 2025.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025)
On December 9, 2025, Turner signed with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, adding depth to the tight end room late in the season. His time in Tennessee was brief but kept him within an NFL roster system that valued his receiving traits and special teams value.
Miami Dolphins Era (2026–Present)
On January 9, 2026, Turner signed a reserve and futures contract with the Miami Dolphins, where he currently wears number 87 and is listed as an active tight end. The move positioned him for an offseason competition for a roster spot in South Florida.
Notable Events and Milestones
Turner’s senior season at Nevada stands out as a career milestone, when his 10 touchdown catches tied for second nationally among tight ends. His invitation to the 2022 Senior Bowl also marked a significant step toward his professional career, and his fifth-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft confirmed his status as an NFL prospect.
Cole Turner Career Wins
Cole Turner’s career achievements have largely come through individual postseason honors and college production rather than championship trophies. His most visible recognitions include his first-team All-Mountain West selection in 2020 and his second-team All-Mountain West selection in 2021.
Nevada Wolf Pack Highlights
During his time with the Nevada Wolf Pack, Turner recorded 59 receptions for at least 605 receiving yards and 19 touchdown catches across his sophomore and senior seasons, with his 2020 and 2021 postseason honors bookending his college career.
Cole Turner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Turner’s given name is Nicolas, but he has preferred going by Cole since childhood. His father, Kelly Turner, played tight end for Purdue from 1987 to 1990, giving Cole a clear family connection to the tight end position.
Personal Life
Turner is an American citizen who was raised in Clackamas, Oregon, and continues to pursue his professional football career in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Turner move between two NFL organizations. After signing a reserve and future contract with Washington in January 2025, he was waived in late August as part of final preseason cuts. On December 9, 2025, he signed with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, providing late-season depth at the tight end position.
Through the end of his time in Washington and his brief stint in Tennessee, Turner’s career NFL totals included 13 receptions for 143 receiving yards, reflecting his role as a complementary pass catcher and special teams contributor. His experience and familiarity with multiple offensive systems positioned him well for the next stage of his career.
Looking ahead, Turner signed a reserve and futures contract with the Miami Dolphins on January 9, 2026, giving him a clear opportunity to compete for a roster spot during the 2026 offseason. His combination of size, receiving ability, and positional versatility should make him a candidate for an expanded role in Miami.