DJ Turner Bio
Darryl “D.J” Turner II is an American professional football wide receiver. Born in Glenarden, Maryland, he played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and the Pittsburgh Panthers before entering the National Football League. Turner signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and has spent the entirety of his professional career with the organization, working his way from the practice squad to the active roster.
Early Life and Background
Darryl “D.J” Turner II was born on January 18, 1997, in Glenarden, Maryland. He grew up in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, where he developed an early interest in football. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and listed at 206 pounds, Turner has long been considered a compact, quick receiver whose game relies on speed and route precision rather than prototypical size for the position.
Turner attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, one of the most storied football programs in the region. DeMatha has produced numerous Division I talent over the years, and Turner developed his receiving skills within that competitive program before attracting the attention of college scouts.
Path to American Football
Following his time at DeMatha Catholic, Turner committed to the University of Maryland, joining the Terrapins for the 2016 season. He spent four years in College Park, working his way up the depth chart as a wide receiver. Over his Maryland career, he appeared in multiple seasons and contributed as a possession target for the Terrapins’ passing game.
After the 2019 season, Turner transferred to the University of Pittsburgh for his final year of college eligibility, suiting up for the Panthers in 2020. Across his entire college career at Maryland and Pittsburgh, Turner recorded 68 receptions for 928 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating consistent production as a possession-style receiver.
DJ Turner Career
Early Career (2021)
Turner declared for the 2021 NFL Draft following his senior season at Pittsburgh but went unselected. Shortly after the draft, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career. As is common for undrafted rookies, Turner spent the majority of his first year adjusting to the professional level and learning the Raiders’ offensive system.
Rather than appearing in regular-season games, Turner spent the 2021 campaign on the Raiders’ practice squad, where he developed his craft and prepared for future opportunities. His perseverance through that developmental season ultimately paid off when the team called him up the following year.
Las Vegas Raiders Breakthrough (2022)
In 2022, Turner made the Raiders’ 53-man roster out of training camp, officially earning his place on an active NFL roster for the first time. His promotion was a significant milestone for an undrafted player who had spent his entire rookie year on the practice squad.
Turner’s first full active season was turbulent. On September 14, 2022, he was placed on the injured reserve list, temporarily halting his progress. He was activated on October 22, returning to the active roster. Later in the season, he was waived on December 17 before being re-signed to the practice squad three days later, demonstrating the constant churn that undrafted players often face on NFL rosters.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2023-Present)
Turner signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders on January 9, 2023, securing his future with the organization. He was waived/injured on August 12, 2023, and placed on injured reserve before being waived on August 17. The Raiders then signed Turner back to their practice squad on October 16, 2023, and promoted him to the active roster on November 11, 2023.
Throughout his time in the NFL, Turner has contributed in multiple roles, including as a depth receiver and on special teams. Through the early stages of his career, he had recorded one reception for nine receiving yards, along with 46 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. On October 21, 2025, Turner was signed to the Raiders practice squad, continuing his ongoing association with the franchise.
Notable Events and Milestones
Turner’s most notable career milestones include earning a spot on an NFL 53-man roster as an undrafted player, which is a difficult achievement in its own right. His first NFL reception and his first NFL rushing touchdown both stand as significant personal accomplishments, highlighting his versatility as a skill-position player willing to contribute wherever the team needs him.
DJ Turner Career Wins
DJ Turner’s professional resume to this point reflects the journey of an undrafted wide receiver who has fought to maintain a presence in the NFL. While he has not yet accumulated traditional receiving statistics that place him among league leaders, his career has been marked by roster perseverance, contributions in limited offensive roles, and occasional flashes of production in special packages.
Las Vegas Raiders Highlights
Turner’s Las Vegas Raiders highlights include making the 53-man roster in 2022, recording his first career reception, and scoring his first NFL rushing touchdown. Through Week 4 of the 2024 season, he had logged one reception for nine receiving yards, 46 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. His ability to remain on the Raiders’ roster across multiple seasons, despite multiple waivers and practice-squad stints, reflects a strong work ethic and the organization’s continued belief in his potential.
DJ Turner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
DJ Turner’s personal and family details outside of his football career are not widely documented in public sources. He has not publicly shared detailed information about his parents or siblings in connection with his professional profile.
Personal Life
Turner resides in the United States and continues his professional career with the Las Vegas Raiders organization. Publicly available verified information about his marital status, spouse, or children is not currently available, and he has kept his personal life largely private while focusing on his football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents another chapter in DJ Turner’s ongoing effort to establish himself in the NFL. On October 21, 2025, he was signed to the Raiders practice squad, indicating that the organization values his experience and versatility within its offensive and special-teams schemes. His path during the 2025 season has followed a familiar pattern of persistence, with the team continuing to use its practice squad as a developmental resource for veteran undrafted players.
As a depth wide receiver and special-teams contributor, Turner’s role for the 2025 Raiders involves being ready to step into the active lineup whenever called upon. With the team navigating the long NFL season, his experience within the Raiders’ system makes him a reliable option for promotions during the year.
Looking forward, Turner’s outlook in Las Vegas depends on his ability to stay healthy, continue developing as a route runner, and capitalize on any offensive opportunities that arise. While his career statistics remain modest, his long tenure with a single organization speaks to the trust the Raiders have built in his work ethic, suggesting that he will continue to be part of the team’s plans as the 2025 season unfolds.
