View source for Kyle Turley

{{Short description|American football player (born 1975)}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name        = Kyle Turley
| image       = Kyle Turley playing guitar and singing with a black shirt and black hat.jpg
| image_size  =
| alt         = 
| caption     = Turley in 2010
| position    = [[Offensive tackle]]
| number      = 68, 74
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1975|9|24|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Provo, Utah]], U.S.
| height_ft   = 6
| height_in   = 5
| weight_lbs  = 309
| high_school = [[Valley View High School (Moreno Valley, California)|Valley View]] {{nowrap|([[Moreno Valley, California]])}}
| college     = [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]]
| draftyear   = 1998
| draftround  = 1
| draftpick   = 7
| pastteams   =
* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{NFL Year|1998}}–{{NFL Year|2002}})
* [[St. Louis Rams]] ({{NFL Year|2003}}–{{NFL Year|2004}})
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{NFL Year|2006}}–{{NFL Year|2007}})
| highlights  =
* First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[2000 All-Pro Team|2000]])
* Second-team All-Pro ([[2003 All-Pro Team|2003]])
* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#1998|1998]])
* Consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1997 College Football All-America Team|1997]])
| statlabel1  = Games played
| statvalue1  = 109
| statlabel2  = Games started
| statvalue2  = 107
| statlabel3  = [[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]]
| statvalue3  = 8
| pfr         = TurlKy20 
}}

'''Kyle John Turley''' (born September 24, 1975) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was an [[offensive tackle]] for nine seasons in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State Aztecs]] and was selected seventh overall in the [[1998 NFL draft]]. Turley played five seasons for the [[New Orleans Saints]] and a year with the [[St. Louis Rams]] before a serious back injury sidelined him for the 2004 and 2005 seasons.  He returned to football in 2006 as a member of the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], where he spent the last two years of his career before announcing his retirement in December 2007.  Turley's high level of play earned him [[All-Pro]] honors for the 2000 season and a [[Pro Bowl]] invite following the 2001 season.  His career is best remembered by many for a 2001 incident in which he ripped off an opposing player's helmet and tossed it downfield, playing a key factor in his team losing the game but also earning the respect of many Saints fans for his defense of the quarterback.

Following his retirement from football, Turley set out on a music career that included the release of several albums and the launch of his own record label.  Playing his "power country" style of music, Turley opened for a number of well-known musical acts, including in 2010 when he went on tour with [[Hank Williams III]].  Turley has also been outspoken and involved in a number of player health issues post-retirement, particularly in regards to the neurological problems resulting from his football career ([[Early-onset Alzheimer's disease|early onset Alzheimer's]], [[Chronic traumatic encephalopathy|CTE symptomatic]], [[seizures]], [[vertigo]]) and his use of [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] as treatment.  Turley is a board member and active supporter of the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, an organization providing medical care and other forms of assistance to retired NFL players in dire need.

==Early life==
Turley was born in [[Provo, Utah]].<ref name="afl" />  He lived in Utah as well as the state of Washington before moving to southern California at the age of 10.<ref name="247 passion" />  Growing up Turley enjoyed surfing and skateboarding, and took an interest in music.<ref name="afl" /><ref name="247 passion" />

Turley attended [[Valley View High School (Moreno Valley, California)|Valley View High School]] in [[Moreno Valley, California]].<ref name="chiefs bio" />  He played defensive end during his only season of football as a senior in 1992,<ref name="afl">{{Cite news |last=Hewitt |first=Hunter |date=August 30, 2012 |title=Throwback Thursday: Kyle Turley |work=Aztecs for Life: SDSU Football Blog |url=https://aztecsforlife.com/2012/08/30/throwback-thursday-kyle-turley/ |access-date=August 14, 2016}}</ref> earning first-team all-league honors<ref name="chiefs bio" /> and attracting athletic scholarship offers from several universities seeking to recruit him.<ref name="afl" />  Turley also played baseball<ref name="cs interview" /> and was recognized with all-state honors as a wrestler.<ref name="chiefs bio" />

==College career==
Turley played college football at [[San Diego State University]], [[Redshirt (college sports)|redshirting]] his first year in 1993.<ref name="afl" />  During his time on the scout team he practiced on both the offensive and defensive line, and was given the choice afterwards of where he wanted to play.<ref name="afl" />  Turley chose offensive line as it allowed him the opportunity to work with O-line coach [[Ed White (American football)|Ed White]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Silver |first=Michael |date=September 13, 2006 |title=Kyle Turley: Chiefs OT discusses his weight, steroids, rock and roll |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/michael_silver/09/13/turley/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071229150431/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/michael_silver/09/13/turley/index.html |archive-date=December 29, 2007}}</ref> a 17-year veteran of the NFL who played in four [[Super Bowl]]s.<ref name="247 passion" />  Turley's most notable achievements came his final season in 1997, earning first-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] honors and being named a semifinalist for the [[Lombardi Award]] and [[Outland Trophy]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 15, 1997 |title=One for the ages |work=The Daily Aztec |url=http://www.thedailyaztec.com/19455/daily-aztec-stories/one-for-the-ages/ |access-date=October 1, 2016}}</ref>  He was also twice named All-[[Western Athletic Conference]] first-team during his time at SDSU.<ref name="aztecs bio">{{Cite web |title=Kyle Turley Bio |url=http://www.goaztecs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/turley_kyle00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516103005/http://www.goaztecs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/turley_kyle00.html |archive-date=May 16, 2015 |access-date=August 14, 2016 |website=goaztecs.com}}</ref>  Turley was inducted into the Aztec Hall of Fame in 2011.<ref name="aztecs bio" />

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 6
|    height in = 4 7/8
|       weight = 309
|         dash = 4.95
|    ten split = 1.71
| twenty split = 2.89
|      shuttle = 4.43
|     vertical = 32.0
|     broad ft = 9
|     broad in = 4
|        bench = 26
|     arm span = 35 1/8
|    hand span = 9 1/2
}}

===New Orleans Saints===
Turley was selected in the first round with the seventh overall pick by the [[New Orleans Saints]] in the [[1998 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1998/draft.htm |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Initially not projected as a high first round pick, Turley's draft stock rose dramatically after turning in a stellar 4.93 seconds for the [[40-yard dash]] at the [[NFL combine]].<ref name="espn combine">{{Cite news |last=Drehs |first=Wayne |date=February 21, 2002 |title=Wealth is measured in tenths of a second |work=ESPN |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nfl/s/2002/0221/1338037.html |access-date=August 10, 2016}}</ref>  Turley's performance caught the eye of then-Saints coach [[Mike Ditka]], and the team subsequently made him the first offensive linemen selected in the 1998 draft.<ref name="espn combine" />  He signed a six-year contract on July 24, 1998.<ref name="chiefs bio">{{Cite web |title=KYLE TURLEY #74 |url=http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/kyle_turley/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210030650/http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/kyle_turley/ |archive-date=February 10, 2008 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |website=kcchiefs.com}}</ref>

Turley played a total of five seasons for the Saints, making an immediate impact by starting 15 games his rookie season and earning all-rookie honors from ''[[Pro Football Weekly]]'', ''Football News'', and ''[[Football Digest]]''.<ref name="chiefs bio" />  A durable presence on the Saints offensive line, Turley missed only one game due to ankle injury during his five years in New Orleans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kyle Turley Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TurlKy20.htm |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Haugh |first=David |date=November 28, 2007 |title=Turley joins fray for NFL retirees |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/11/28/turley-joins-fray-for-nfl-retirees/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928065158/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-11-28/sports/0711280093_1_nfl-retirees-kyle-turley-saints-coach |archive-date=September 28, 2016}}</ref>  Turley would prove to be a versatile player as well, starting mostly at left guard his rookie season, then moving to right tackle the next three seasons, and over to left tackle in 2002.<ref name="chiefs bio" />  His strong play earned him first-team [[All-Pro]] honors following the 2000 season<ref name="chiefs bio" /> and an invitation to the [[Pro Bowl]] as a substitute following the 2001 season.<ref name="latimes dirty" />  He would turn down the Pro Bowl invite to serve as grand marshall of the [[Krewe of Endymion|Endymion Parade]] during [[New Orleans Mardi Gras|Mardi Gras]], however.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 6, 2002 |title=Ex-ICC standout turns down Pro Bowl offer |work=djournal.com |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.djournal.com/news/ex-icc-standout-turns-down-pro-bowl-offer/article_20371ba6-294d-57b3-a779-012fc31c4f0b.html |access-date=June 7, 2017}}</ref>

During his time in New Orleans, Turley became a fan favorite for his spirited style of play and colorful personality.<ref name="latimes dirty" />  His popularity especially took off after the helmet tossing incident of 2001,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilde |first=Jason |date=September 14, 2002 |title=Supportive Packers linemen say Turley far from Sainthood |work=The Journal Times |url=http://journaltimes.com/news/state-and-regional/supportive-packers-linemen-say-turley-far-from-sainthood/article_0bfdc4e2-29c6-5501-be82-7c2eaa026b38.html |access-date=August 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813193545/http://journaltimes.com/news/state-and-regional/supportive-packers-linemen-say-turley-far-from-sainthood/article_0bfdc4e2-29c6-5501-be82-7c2eaa026b38.html |archive-date=August 13, 2016}}</ref> with many Saints fans lining up to buy his jersey afterwards.<ref name="latimes dirty" /><ref name="nola fight" />  Turley's antics were less well-received among team management however, particularly leading up to his March 2003 trade when Turley engaged in a public dispute with general manager [[Mickey Loomis]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Duncan |first=Jeff |date=March 16, 2003 |title=Turley's talk may be hurting his trade value |work=The Times-Picayune |url=http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1047797712100510.xml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030402020654/http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fsports-1%2F1047797712100510.xml |archive-date=April 2, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Silver |first=Michael |date=June 5, 2003 |title=Bitter Turley comes clean on why he's no Saint |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/michael_silver/news/2003/06/05/open_mike/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030713205412/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/michael_silver/news/2003/06/05/open_mike/ |archive-date=July 13, 2003}}</ref>  Amongst players in the league, Turley came to be known by some as a dirty player due to his frequent use of [[cut block]]s and ambushing of unsuspecting defenders.<ref name="latimes dirty">{{Cite news |last=Farmer |first=Sam |date=September 5, 2002 |title=He's No Saint |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-sep-05-sp-turley5-story.html |access-date=August 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511042849/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2002/sep/05/sports/sp-turley5 |archive-date=May 11, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="si dirty" />  Turley defended his use of the cut block, noting that it is a legal maneuver and that he is simply doing his job within the rules of the game.<ref name="si dirty">{{Cite magazine |last=Elliot |first=Josh |date=July 2, 2001 |title=Jekyll & Hyde |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1969/12/31/8118108/jekyll--hyde-he-may-be-affable-off-the-field-but-on-it-saints-allpro-tackle-kyle-turley-hasnt-won-any-friends-with-his-style-of-play |access-date=August 10, 2016}}</ref>

Turley's football career is best remembered by many for an on-field altercation that occurred in a game against the [[New York Jets]] on November 4, 2001.  Trailing 16–9 in the final minute of the game, the Saints were driving deep into opposition territory with the ball at the 6-yard line on second-and-3.<ref name="usatoday fight">{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2001 |title=Turley defends actions against Jets |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/saints/2001-11-05-turley.htm |access-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref>  After quarterback [[Aaron Brooks (American football)|Aaron Brooks]] was tackled on a scramble to the 5-yard line, Jets safety [[Damien Robinson]] grabbed him by the facemask and bent his body backwards while twisting his head to the side.<ref name="nola fight">{{Cite news |last=Hogan |first=Nakia |date=November 4, 2011 |title=Ex-New Orleans Saints Kyle Turley recalls tirade for the ages |work=The Times-Picayune |url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/11/ex-new_orleans_saints_kyle_tur.html |access-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref>  Turley stepped in and separated the two, then picked up Robinson by the facemask and threw him to the ground as referees and players from both teams tried to break up the scrum.<ref name="nola fight" />  Turley emerged from the pile with Robinson's helmet in hand and flung it across the field before making an obscene gesture.<ref name="usatoday fight" />  Robinson and Turley received offsetting personal fouls for the initial incident, but Turley was assessed an additional personal foul and ejected from the game for the helmet toss and obscene gesture.<ref name="usatoday fight" />  The penalty set the Saints back 15 yards and they ended up losing the game after failing to score on the drive.  Saints head coach [[Jim Haslett]] said he initially considered cutting Turley before seeing a clearer view of the incident on film and discussing it with quarterback Aaron Brooks, who thought his neck had been broken at the time.<ref name="usatoday fight" />  Turley was subsequently fined $25,000 by the Saints organization and requested to attend counseling for management of anger issues.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=November 7, 2001 |title=Robinson fined $20,000 by league |work=ESPN |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nfl/news/2001/1107/1274769.html |access-date=August 10, 2016}}</ref>  Many Saints fans applauded Turley's actions on the other hand, setting up a "Kyle Turley Defense Fund" to assist in payment of the fine<ref>{{Cite news |last=Patrick |first=Dan |date=October 1, 2002 |title=Outtakes with Kyle Turley |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com/talent/danpatrick/s/2002/0919/1433808.html |access-date=August 11, 2016}}</ref> and putting up "Turley for mayor" signs around the city.<ref name="cs interview" /> The incident occurred during a nationally televised game and received a significant amount of media attention afterwards, putting Turley's name in the national spotlight for the first time.<ref name="nola fight" />

===St. Louis Rams===
Turley was traded to the [[St. Louis Rams]] on March 21, 2003, in exchange for a 2nd round pick in the 2004 draft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Duncan |first=Jeff |date=March 27, 2003 |title=Turley says he's excited to join Rams |work=The Times-Picayune |url=http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1048751785281280.xml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030419062359/http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fsports-0%2F1048751785281280.xml |archive-date=April 19, 2003}}</ref>  He was immediately signed to a 5-year, $26.5 million extension (in addition to the one year remaining on his contract),<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 23, 2003 |title=Rams bolster line with trade for Saints' Turley |work=Cincinnati Enquirer |url=http://bengals.enquirer.com/2003/03/23/wwwbenznote23.html |url-status=dead |access-date=August 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160813234432/http://bengals.enquirer.com/2003/03/23/wwwbenznote23.html |archive-date=August 13, 2016}}</ref> making Turley the fourth-highest paid offensive lineman in the league.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=March 24, 2003 |title=Rams give up second-round pick for Turley |work=ESPN |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nfl/columns/pasquarelli_len/1527506.html |access-date=August 10, 2016}}</ref>  With future hall-of-famer [[Orlando Pace]] already entrenched at the starting left tackle position, Turley moved to the right side and started all 16 regular games plus the single playoff game of the Rams 2003 season.<ref name="chiefs bio" />  During week 7, Turley suffered a severe concussion after taking a knee to the back of the head,<ref name="yahoo seizure" /> but he was cleared for practice by mid-week and started the next game<ref name="ny seizure" /><ref name="si benoit">{{Cite magazine |last=Benoit |first=Andy |date=December 19, 2018 |title=The Ugly End of an All-Pro Career, the Uglier Start of a Life After Football |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/19/kyle-turley-retirement-mental-health-suicide-hotline-wife-stacy-harris-mike-martz-concussions-cte |access-date=January 7, 2019}}</ref> (as Turley would later attest in a January 2010 congressional hearing on the NFL's handling of concussions).<ref name="Turley testimony" />  In December 2003, Turley was featured on the cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=December 8, 2003 Issue Viewer |url=https://www.si.com/vault/issue/703299/0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813211503/https://www.si.com/vault/issue/703299/1/1 |archive-date=August 13, 2016 |access-date=September 3, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref>

Turley underwent surgery to repair a [[Spinal disc herniation|herniated disc]] in March 2004.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fallstrom |first=R.B. |date=August 2, 2004 |title=Turley departs camp with more back problems |work=Southeast Missourian |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.semissourian.com/story/143031.html |access-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511011939/http://www.semissourian.com/story/143031.html |archive-date=May 11, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>  He re-aggravated the injury during training camp and was placed on [[injured reserve]] on August 28, ending his season.<ref name="espn plagued">{{Cite news |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |author-link=Len Pasquarelli |date=September 4, 2004 |title=Offensive lineman plagued by back problems |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?id=1874470&columnist=pasquarelli_len |access-date=August 7, 2016 |work=ESPN}}</ref>  Turley ruled out a second surgery on his back and opted for a long rehabilitation instead,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=December 15, 2004 |title=Turley still rejects surgery, has lost 70 pounds |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?id=1947031&columnist=pasquarelli_len |access-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref> during which his weight dropped to 235 pounds from a normal playing weight of 310.<ref name="si defense" />  In December, he was involved in a heated exchange regarding the matter with head coach [[Mike Martz]],<ref name="si benoit" /> after which Martz filed a complaint with NFL security.<ref name="espn argument">{{Cite news |date=December 29, 2004 |title=Turley says he did not threaten Martz |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1954691 |access-date=August 7, 2016}}</ref>  No disciplinary action was taken as a result,<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 2, 2005 |title=Rams say matter is closed |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1957521 |access-date=August 7, 2016}}</ref> but Turley admitted that hard feelings lingered.<ref name="sdut defense" />  Turley also harbored feelings of resentment leading up to the incident, believing that the organization acted recklessly and carelessly in pushing him to return from back surgery too soon and advising him to play through initial onset of the injury during the 2003 season.<ref name="cs interview">{{Cite news |last=McCollough |first=Brady |date=August 27, 2006 |title=Natural born protector Turley now protecting Trent Green's backside |work=Kansas City Star |url=http://www.coveringsports.com/turley.htm |access-date=August 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820200010/http://www.coveringsports.com/turley.htm |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="espn argument" />  During his continued rehabilitation in 2005, Turley suggested he may switch to the defensive end position to lessen the load on his back.<ref name="si defense">{{Cite magazine |last=Silver |first=Michael |date=June 10, 2005 |title=Getting defensive |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/michael_silver/06/10/silver.turley/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050829125059/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/michael_silver/06/10/silver.turley/index.html |archive-date=August 29, 2005}}</ref><ref name="sdut defense">{{Cite news |last=Schrotenboer |first=Brent |date=April 2, 2005 |title=Turley eyes changing sides |work=San Diego Union-Tribune |url=http://legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/uniontrib/20050402/news_1s2turley.html |url-status=dead |access-date=August 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822225344/http://legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/uniontrib/20050402/news_1s2turley.html |archive-date=August 22, 2016}}</ref>  He was released by the Rams on June 6, 2005, however, after failing a physical.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=June 8, 2005 |title=Turley still rehabbing from back injury |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?id=2078852&columnist=pasquarelli_len |access-date=August 7, 2005}}</ref>  He ended up spending the entire 2004 and 2005 seasons out of football, continuing his recovery and training for a return in 2006.<ref name="cs interview" />

===Kansas City Chiefs===
After a mini-camp tryout at tight end for the [[Miami Dolphins]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=May 5, 2006 |title=Turley tries to return from back problems |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2434536 |access-date=August 8, 2016}}</ref> Turley signed a two-year contract with the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] on June 13, 2006, where he would compete for a starting job at the right tackle position.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 13, 2006 |title=Chiefs sign offensive tackle Kyle Turley |work=Kansas City Star |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/14809805.htm |access-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060701095140/http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/14809805.htm |archive-date=July 1, 2006}}</ref>  He started the first two games of the season, but recurring back problems and a shoulder injury late in the season ended up limiting him to 7 starts in 7 games played.<ref name="chiefs bio" />  He was also overpowered at times on the field due to playing below his normal weight from before his 2004 back surgery.<ref name="espn chiefs">{{Cite news |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=July 25, 2007 |title=Chiefs sign Turley to contract ahead of training camp |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2949349 |access-date=August 8, 2016}}</ref>

Turley was released by the Chiefs in March 2007, but re-signed to a new one-year contract on July 26, 2007.<ref name="espn chiefs" />  Having regained most of his normal playing weight in the offseason, Turley reported to training camp at 300 pounds.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pompei |first=Dan |date=September 14, 2007 |title=Weight watcher, all right {{!}} Turley perfects putting on pounds: Eat, sleep, lift |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/09/14/weight-watcher-all-right/ |access-date=September 26, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001161726/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-09-14/sports/0709131223_1_weight-gain-weight-watcher-kyle-turley |archive-date=October 1, 2016}}</ref>  Turley's health would again be an issue during the season, however, as he dealt with hamstring,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Week 5 Injury Report |url=http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/index.nsf/Documents/2007-ir-05 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |website=jt-sw.com}}</ref> ankle,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Week 15 Injury Report |url=http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/index.nsf/Documents/2007-ir-15 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |website=jt-sw.com}}</ref> and back problems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Week 14 Injury Report |url=http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/index.nsf/Documents/2007-ir-14 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |website=jt-sw.com}}</ref>   He started 5 of 7 games played in and ended the season on injured reserve.<ref name="latimes retire" />  Turley announced his retirement from football on December 21, 2007.<ref name="latimes retire">{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Greg |date=December 22, 2007 |title=Amid activism, Turley will retire |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-22-sp-nflrep22-story.html |access-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814011021/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/dec/22/sports/sp-nflrep22 |archive-date=August 14, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Life after football==

===Music career===

====Early years====
Turley's passion for music began early in life, taking up the guitar at age 14.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farrar |first=Doug |date=October 9, 2012 |title=Outside the Game: Kyle Turley hopes to get back to NFL stadiums — this time, with his band |work=Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/shutdown-corner/outside-game-kyle-turley-hopes-back-nfl-stadiums-194433648--nfl.html |access-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref>  He listened to [[Punk rock|punk]], [[grunge]], and [[Heavy metal music|metal]] growing up as a teenager in southern California, and was also exposed heavily to [[country music]] from being around his father.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mourning |first=Zhan |date=October 16, 2012 |title=Gridiron Experts Catches Up With Kyle Turley |work=Gridiron Experts |url=http://gridironexperts.com/kyle-turley-interviewed |access-date=September 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012201440/http://gridironexperts.com/kyle-turley-interviewed |archive-date=October 12, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>  During his football career Turley played in a number of bands in the offseason, including various [[cover band]]s<ref name="rnr interview">{{Cite news |last=Mosqueda |first=Ruben |date=April 9, 2010 |title=Interview with Kyle Turley |work=Rock & Rolla |url=http://rockandrollazine.blogspot.com/2010/04/interview-with-kyle-turley.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027143933/http://rockandrollazine.blogspot.com/2010/04/interview-with-kyle-turley.html |archive-date=October 27, 2011}}</ref> and a [[death metal]] band named Perpetual Death Mode.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 19, 2005 |title=PERPETUAL DEATH MODE: Former NFL Pro Bowl Offensive Lineman KYLE TURLEY Blasting Away |work=blabbermouth.net |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/perpetual-death-mode-former-nfl-pro-bowl-offensive-lineman-kyle-turley-blasting-away/ |access-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref>  He also [[Jam session|jammed]] with other NFL players,<ref name="247 passion">{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Kevin |date=April 7, 2012 |title=Turley: Passion beyond the gridiron |work=247Sports |url=https://247sports.com/Article/Kyle-Turley-to-use-his-All-Pro-knowledge-to-evaluate-OL-for-247-70385 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607012925/http://247sports.com/Article/Kyle-Turley-to-use-his-All-Pro-knowledge-to-evaluate-OL-for-247-70385 |archive-date=June 7, 2012}}</ref> and learned to play bass and drums.<ref name="rnr interview" />  While living in New Orleans, Turley immersed himself heavily in the local music scene where he befriended a number of musicians, including [[Phil Anselmo]] from [[Pantera]].<ref name="csc interview">{{Cite news |last=Cariello |first=Dave |date=August 26, 2010 |title=CSC Interview: Kyle Turley |work=canalstreetchronicles.com |url=http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2010/8/26/1648938/csc-interview-kyle-turley |access-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name="pmtm interview" />  Turley continued networking and honing his musical abilities in St. Louis, jamming with local musicians and performing at a number of charity events.<ref name="rft music">{{Cite news |last=Tucker |first=John H. |date=December 17, 2010 |title=Kyle Turley Back in St. Louis -- This Time as a Musician, Not a Football Player |work=Riverfront Times |url=http://www.riverfronttimes.com/musicblog/2010/12/17/kyle-turley-back-in-st-louis-this-time-as-a-musician-not-a-football-player?showFullText=true |access-date=September 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914233417/http://www.riverfronttimes.com/musicblog/2010/12/17/kyle-turley-back-in-st-louis-this-time-as-a-musician-not-a-football-player?showFullText=true |archive-date=September 14, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====The Kyle Turley Band====
A year after retiring from football, Turley moved to [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] where he set his sights on pursuing a music career.<ref name="afl" />  He formed The Kyle Turley Band and released his first album, a 4-track self-titled [[Extended play|EP]], in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EP |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/ep/339921807 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |website=[[iTunes]]}}</ref>  His first full-length album, ''Anger Management'', was released in 2010 and included all songs from the earlier EP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anger Management |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/anger-management/358850474 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |website=[[iTunes]]|date=March 9, 2010 }}</ref>  The album sold over 10,000 copies<ref name="nola fight" /> and reached as high as No. 69 and 17 on the [[iTunes]] and [[AmazonMP3]] country charts respectively,<ref name="rft music" /> while also charting at No. 8 on ''[[Billboard charts|Billboard]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Top Heatseekers|Heatseekers]] South Central chart.<ref name="rft music" />  His next album, a 6-song EP titled ''Death, Drugs & the DoubleCross'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Death, Drugs & the DoubleCross - EP |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/death-drugs-doublecross-ep/466474398 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |website=[[iTunes]]|date=September 20, 2011 }}</ref> came out in 2011 and became the top selling album in New Orleans, as well as reaching #1 on ''Billboard'''s Heatseekers South Central chart<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 23, 2011 |title=Death, Drugs & the DoubleCross is #1 Album in New Orleans, LA |work=Gridiron Records |url=http://www.gridironrecords.com/death-drugs-the-doublecross-is-1-album-in-new-orleans-la/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910212514/http://www.gridironrecords.com/death-drugs-the-doublecross-is-1-album-in-new-orleans-la/ |archive-date=September 10, 2016}}</ref> and #28 on the Heatseekers chart overall.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 18, 2011 |title=#1 Album in South Central Region & #28 in US on Billboard Heatseekers Chart! |work=Gridiron Records |url=http://www.gridironrecords.com/1-album-in-south-central-region-28-in-us-on-billboard-heatseekers-chart/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910212716/http://www.gridironrecords.com/1-album-in-south-central-region-28-in-us-on-billboard-heatseekers-chart/ |archive-date=September 10, 2016}}</ref> Turley's second full-length album ''Skull Shaker'' was released in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Skull Shaker |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/skull-shaker/687554849 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |website=[[iTunes]]|date=September 24, 2013 }}</ref>

Turley sings and plays guitar for The Kyle Turley Band.  He describes his style of music as "power country", drawing influences from old-school country, heavy metal, [[Southern rock]], and punk rock.<ref name="rft music" />  Some of Turley's song lyrics make reference to his football career, including the tracks "Flyin' Helmets" and "Anger Management" which allude to Turley's helmet tossing incident.<ref name="csc interview" />  The song "My Soul Bleeds Black and Gold" is a tribute to the city of New Orleans and its football team,<ref name="wdd interview">{{Cite news |last=Null |first=Keith |date=August 27, 2010 |title=Interview With Former Saints First Round Pick OT Kyle Turley Turned "Power Country" Star |work=Who Dat Dish |url=http://whodatdish.com/2010/08/27/interview-with-former-saints-first-round-pick-ot-kyle-turley-turned-power-country-star/ |access-date=September 12, 2016}}</ref> which in the years since his 2003 departure Turley has expressed regret for leaving.<ref name="wdd interview" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Chris |date=October 9, 2009 |title=Former New Orleans Saint's Kyle Turley now a music man |work=The Times-Picayune |url=http://www.nola.com/rose/index.ssf/2009/10/the_60-second_interview_kyle_t.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916183320/http://www.nola.com/rose/index.ssf/2009/10/the_60-second_interview_kyle_t.html |archive-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref>

Turley has toured extensively with his band, including in spring 2010 when he hit the road with [[Hank Williams III]] across the western United States.<ref name="rn bio">{{Cite web |title=Kyle Turley / Bio |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/kyleturley/bio |access-date=September 8, 2016 |website=ReverbNation}}</ref>  Other acts that Turley has opened for include [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]], [[Eric Church]], [[Joe Nichols]], [[George Jones]], [[Stephen Cochran]], [[Jake Owen]], [[David Allan Coe]], [[Josh Thompson (singer)|Josh Thompson]], and [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]].<ref name="rn bio" />

====Delta Doom====
Delta Doom is a two-piece [[doom metal]] project that Turley formed in 2013 with bassist Rob Ogles from The Kyle Turley Band.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DELTA DOOM / Bio |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/deltadoom/bio |access-date=September 9, 2016 |website=ReverbNation}}</ref>  Ogles is the band's guitarist while Turley sings and plays drums.<ref name="pmtm interview">{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Mike |date=August 14, 2013 |title=PMTM: The Kyle Turley Interview |work=Pass Me the Mike |url=https://passmethemike.com/2013/08/14/pmtm-the-kyle-turley-interview/ |access-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref>  Their first album, a 4-track live EP titled ''Half Alive'', was released in December 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Demented Spotlight Featured Band |url=http://www.dementedmagazine2.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321033955/http://www.dementedmagazine2.com/ |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |website=Demented Magazine}}</ref>  Delta Doom has toured as an opening act for the New Orleans [[sludge metal]] band [[Crowbar (American band)|Crowbar]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buchner |first=Kirk |date=March 19, 2015 |title=Interview with Kyle Turley |work=Not in Hall of Fame |url=http://www.notinhalloffame.com/home/interviews/4798-interview-with-kyle-turley |access-date=September 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Delta Doom On Tour with Crowbar! |url=http://www.gridironrecords.com/delta-doom-on-tour-with-crowbar/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915110310/http://www.gridironrecords.com/delta-doom-on-tour-with-crowbar/ |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=September 9, 2016 |website=Gridiron Records}}</ref>

====Gridiron Records====
Turley launched Gridiron Records in 2006, along with two of his friends Mike Doling (ex-[[Snot (band)|Snot]] / [[Soulfly]] guitarist) and Tim Pickett (of [[EMI Music]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gridiron Records Bio |url=http://www.gridironrecords.com/co_main.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305090448/http://www.gridironrecords.com/co_main.html |archive-date=March 5, 2007 |website=Gridiron Records}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Patton |first=Gregg |date=November 8, 2011 |title=Turley tackling country rock career |work=The Press-Enterprise |url=http://www.pe.com/articles/turley-631853-music-nfl.html |access-date=September 9, 2016}}</ref>  Turley and Pickett are the current owners.<ref name="gr contact">{{Cite web |title=Contact |url=http://www.gridironrecords.com/contact/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915051402/http://www.gridironrecords.com/contact/ |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |website=Gridiron Records}}</ref>

In addition to The Kyle Turley Band and Delta Doom, other acts signed to Gridiron Records include The Hairbrain Scheme, Unset, and Invitro.<ref name="gr contact" />

===Health issues and advocacy===

====Neurological issues====
Turley has dealt with a number of neurological health issues since retiring from football in 2007.  At age 34 he was diagnosed as symptomatic of [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]] (CTE),<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Melissa |date=August 23, 2013 |title="The United States of Football" director Sean Pamphilon on the concussion epidemic and his own experience with the NFL's power play over ESPN |work=thefootballgirl.com |url=http://thefootballgirl.com/news-and-features/melissas-blog/2013/aug/the-united-states-of-football-director-sean-pamphilon-on-the-concussion-epidemic-and-his-own-experience-with-the-nfls-power-play-over-espn.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160912013945/http://thefootballgirl.com/news-and-features/melissas-blog/2013/aug/the-united-states-of-football-director-sean-pamphilon-on-the-concussion-epidemic-and-his-own-experience-with-the-nfls-power-play-over-espn.html |archive-date=September 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The United States of Football – Kyle Turley |url=http://theusof.com/bio/characters/kyle-turley |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915101829/http://theusof.com/bio/characters/kyle-turley |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |website=theusof.com}}</ref> and in 2015 he was diagnosed with [[Early-onset Alzheimer's disease|early onset of Alzheimer's disease]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Letts |first=Sharon |date=February 1, 2016 |title=Fortune & Pain: Kyle Turley, Out Front for the Plant |work=Dope Magazine |url=http://www.dopemagazine.com/fortune-and-pain-kyle-turley-out-front-for-the-plant-2/ |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907215026/http://www.dopemagazine.com/fortune-and-pain-kyle-turley-out-front-for-the-plant-2/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>  Turley has a seizure disorder,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Breer |first=Albert |date=April 8, 2013 |title=Concussion lawsuit: State of things entering Tuesday's hearing |work=[[NFL.com]] |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/concussion-lawsuit-state-of-things-entering-tuesday-s-hearing-0ap1000000158376 |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref> suffering a particularly severe episode in 2009 when he blacked out suddenly followed by several hours of slipping in and out of consciousness while seeking treatment in an emergency room.<ref name="yahoo seizure">{{Cite news |last=Silver |first=Michael |date=September 18, 2009 |title=Effects of head trauma scaring Turley |work=Yahoo! Sports |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/effects-head-trauma-scaring-turley-160400232--nfl.html |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref><ref name="ny seizure">{{Cite magazine |last=Gladwell |first=Malcolm |title=OFFENSIVE PLAY {{!}} How different are dogfighting and football? |magazine=The New Yorker |issue=October 19, 2009 |url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/10/19/offensive-play |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref>  Turley also experiences bouts of [[vertigo]], a condition that first appeared during his rookie season but which increased in frequency throughout his career and became a daily occurrence in retirement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=One on One with Kyle Turley |url=http://www.concussionconnection.com/kyle-turley/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911063832/http://www.concussionconnection.com/kyle-turley/ |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |website=concussionconnection.com}}</ref>  Other symptoms that Turley has dealt with include depression, anxiety, rage issues, suicidal thoughts, migraine headaches, light sensitivity, and memory problems.<ref name="sdut legalize" />

Turley has been active in speaking about his personal experiences dealing with head trauma-related health issues and participating in efforts to reduce risks for current and future players.  He testified before Congress in January 2010, giving account of a severe [[concussion]] sustained during the 2003 season and the medical care he received afterwards – noting that team doctors cleared his return to the field three days after being released from the hospital.<ref name="Turley testimony">{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2010 |title=Testimony of Kyle Turley |url=https://judiciary.house.gov/_files/hearings/pdf/Turley100104.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907065324/https://judiciary.house.gov/_files/hearings/pdf/Turley100104.pdf |archive-date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |website=judiciary.house.gov}}</ref>  Turley was a plaintiff in a class action lawsuit filed against the NFL seeking medical benefits and compensation for former players suffering from the effects of head trauma,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Chris |date=August 29, 2013 |title=Kyle Turley: Concussion settlement a 'big win' |work=USA Today |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/08/kyle-turley-concussion-settlement-a-big-win |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref> initially resulting in a 2013 settlement of $765 million but later amended to allow for a payout expected to exceed $1 billion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 22, 2015 |title=Judge OKs 65-year deal over NFL concussions; could cost $1 billion |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12742265/judge-oks-65-year-deal-nfl-concussions-cost-1-billion |access-date=September 3, 2016}}</ref>  Turley was featured in the 2013 documentary ''United States of Football'' examining issues of neurological health in the NFL and youth league football,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Chris |date=August 1, 2013 |title=Filmmaker on NFL head trauma: 'I didn't want to see any of this' |work=USA Today |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/08/filmmaker-on-nfl-head-trauma-i-didnt-want-to-see-any-of-this |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mikesell |first=Terry |date=September 5, 2013 |title='The United States of Football' aims to save sport by scrutinizing its dangers |work=The Columbus Dispatch |url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2013/09/05/director-hopes-to-save-sport-by-scrutinizing-its-dangers.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913150736/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2013/09/05/director-hopes-to-save-sport-by-scrutinizing-its-dangers.html |archive-date=September 13, 2016}}</ref> and has been involved with efforts to educate and assist youth sports programs in head trauma prevention through the Just Cool Me - T.K.O. initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T. K. O. – Concussion, Subconcussion, & Migraine Awareness, Education, Treatment, and Recovery |url=http://www.justcoolme.org/tko/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112231703/http://www.justcoolme.org/tko/ |archive-date=January 12, 2016 |website=justcoolme.org}}</ref>  Turley has agreed to donate his brain posthumously to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at [[Boston University]] to help advance research in the area of sports-related neurological disorders.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barrow |first=Bill |date=February 3, 2010 |title=Former New Orleans Saint Kyle Turley joins head trauma research effort |work=The Times-Picayune |url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/02/new_orleans_saints_veteran_kyl.html |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kendall |first=Justin |date=October 15, 2009 |title=Retired KC Chief Turley donating brain to research |work=pitch.com |url=http://www.pitch.com/news/article/20578400/retired-kc-chief-turley-donating-brain-to-research |url-status=dead |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907223002/http://www.pitch.com/news/article/20578400/retired-kc-chief-turley-donating-brain-to-research |archive-date=September 7, 2016}}</ref>

====Painkiller addiction====
Turley retired from football with an addiction to pain-killing drugs.<ref name="sdut lawsuit">{{Cite news |last=Gehlken |first=Michael |date=May 20, 2014 |title=New lawsuit filed against NFL |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2014/may/20/kyle-turley-nfl-drug-painkiller-lawsuit-goodell/ |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref>  He has criticized the manner in which painkillers are dispensed by medical staff in the NFL, stating that pills were handed out to players "like candy" after games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nuckols |first=Ben |date=May 20, 2014 |title=Ex-players sue NFL over use of painkillers |work=Washington Examiner |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ex-players-sue-nfl-over-use-of-painkillers |url-status=dead |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703051208/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ex-players-sue-nfl-over-use-of-painkillers |archive-date=July 3, 2018}}</ref>  Turley also says team doctors gave him painkillers while concealing the true nature of a serious back injury in 2003,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dabe |first=Christopher |date=February 19, 2015 |title=Former Saints lineman Kyle Turley continues to speak out about painkiller use in NFL |work=The Times-Picayune |url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/02/kyle_turley_painkillers_video.html |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref> in an effort to keep him on the playing field until season's end.<ref name="cs interview" />  The condition required major surgery in the offseason and eventually led to his release from the Rams,<ref name="cs interview" /> also threatening to end his career at one point.<ref name="espn plagued" />  In 2014, Turley was one of more than 500 former players who took part in a class action lawsuit against the NFL alleging similar complaints,<ref name="sdut lawsuit" /> also charging that team medical personnel neglected to inform players of the serious health risks of the drugs they were taking.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ley |first=Tom |date=May 20, 2014 |title=Retired Stars File Suit Alleging NFL Doped Them Up Like Race Horses |work=Deadspin |url=http://deadspin.com/retired-stars-file-suit-alleging-nfl-doped-them-up-like-1579045996 |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref>

====Medical cannabis====
{{See also|Cannabis and sports}}
Turley uses [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] to treat the neurological issues that he suffers from post-NFL career.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strombel |first=Tim |date=August 24, 2015 |title=NFL All-Pro Kyle Turley: Medical cannabis will save football |work=Cashinbis |url=https://www.cashinbis.com/kyle-turley-nfl-all-pro-to-medical-cannabis-advocate/ |url-status=dead |access-date=September 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923181057/https://www.cashinbis.com/kyle-turley-nfl-all-pro-to-medical-cannabis-advocate/ |archive-date=September 23, 2016}}</ref>  He credits cannabis with greatly improving his quality of life and even saving his life,<ref name="sdut legalize">{{Cite news |last=Loh |first=Stefanie |date=August 1, 2015 |title=Is it time to legalize marijuana in sports? |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sdut-marijuana-sports-opioids-arguments-kyle-turley-2015aug01-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805180755/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/aug/01/marijuana-sports-opioids-arguments-kyle-turley/all/ |archive-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref> after previously relying on numerous prescription medications with side effects that he says almost drove him to suicide.<ref name="sn marijuana">{{Cite news |last=Heck |first=Jordan |date=November 6, 2016 |title=Former NFL player Kyle Turley says marijuana can help with injuries |work=Sporting News |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/kyle-turley-marijuana-gridiron-cannabis-injury-prevention-concussion/11f9v4n7nab7u15wz0fqktjl7i |url-status=dead |access-date=September 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701160449/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/kyle-turley-marijuana-gridiron-cannabis-injury-prevention-concussion/11f9v4n7nab7u15wz0fqktjl7i |archive-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref>  Turley eliminated his use of pharmaceuticals – including psychiatric and pain-killing drugs – beginning in early 2015 when he went [[cold turkey]] and switched to cannabis only.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bloom |first=Steve |date=February 2, 2016 |title=Kyle Turley Interviewed: "Cannabis Will Save Football" |work=Freedom Leaf |url=http://www.freedomleaf.com/kyle-turley-interviewed-cannabis-will-save-football/ |access-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="vice benefits" />  He has been active in speaking about his personal experience using cannabis, and in 2015 founded the Gridiron Cannabis Coalition to help advance policy change regarding the use of cannabis in professional sports.<ref name="db marijuana">{{Cite news |last=Haglage |first=Abby |date=April 14, 2016 |title=Ex-NFL Players Rally Behind Medical Marijuana |work=The Daily Beast |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/04/14/ex-nfl-players-rally-behind-medical-marijuana.html |access-date=September 23, 2016}}</ref>  The organization is also involved with medical cannabis research, commencing a study in 2016 to examine the effectiveness of cannabis in treating chronic pain and depression.<ref name="db marijuana" />

In November 2016, Turley was among the signatories of an [[open letter]] addressed to the NFL, urging a change in the league's policy towards cannabis.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jhabvala |first=Nicki |date=November 11, 2016 |title=Players, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation pen letter to NFL urging policy reform |work=The Denver Post |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/11/players-doctors-for-cannabis-regulation-pen-letter-nfl/ |access-date=February 19, 2018}}</ref>  The letter was penned by [[Doctors for Cannabis Regulation]] and signed by several other NFL players.<ref>{{Citation |title=An Open Letter to the National Football League |date=November 11, 2016 |url=https://dfcr.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/NFL-open-letter.pdf |publisher=Doctors for Cannabis Regulation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113230751/https://dfcr.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/NFL-open-letter.pdf |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref>  Turley is also a member of the Doctors for Cannabis Regulation NFL steering committee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Campaign |url=https://dfcr.org/nfl-campaign/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028061541/https://dfcr.org/nfl-campaign/ |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2019 |website=Doctors for Cannabis Regulation}}</ref>

In January 2017 Turley announced the launch of Neuro Armour (now Neuro XPF), a [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]]-free cannabis oil that is rich in [[cannabidiol]] (CBD) and various [[terpene]]s.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Former NFL All Pro Kyle Turley launches Neuro Armour |date=January 30, 2017 |location=Houston, TX |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/former_nfl_all_pro_kyle_turley_launches_neuro_armour/prweb14024496.htm |access-date=February 2, 2018 |agency=PRWeb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Kyle Turley to bring Neuro XPF CBD to Big Game Week |date=January 29, 2018 |location=Minneapolis, MN |url=https://www.prlog.org/12689226-kyle-turley-to-bring-neuro-xpf-cbd-to-big-game-week.html |access-date=February 2, 2018 |agency=PRLog}}</ref>  In March 2020 he opened a cannabis dispensary in [[Moreno Valley, California]], operating under the Shango brand of dispensaries.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peter |first=Josh |date=March 22, 2020 |title=Former NFL player Kyle Turley says cannabis 'saved' him, and he thinks it can help others |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/03/22/nfl-former-player-kyle-turley-says-cannabis-saved-him-can-save-you/2891537001/ |access-date=March 24, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mosely |first=Kyle T. |date=March 22, 2020 |title=Ex-Saints Player Kyle Turley's new Cannabis Business |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/kyle-turley-new-cannabis-business |access-date=March 24, 2020}}</ref>

Turley received criticism in March 2020 for claiming his CBD products could cure [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] by boosting the immune system.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jaeger |first=Kyle |date=March 31, 2020 |title=Former NFL Player Under Fire For Claiming CBD Can Cure Coronavirus |work=Marijuana Moment |url=https://www.marijuanamoment.net/former-nfl-player-under-fire-for-claiming-cbd-can-cure-coronavirus/ |access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref>  The [[Food and Drug Administration]] advised him to cease making such claims on official materials from his CBD business or else he would be subject to legal action. He immediately complied with the request.<ref name="FDA">{{Cite news |last=Jaeger |first=Kyle |date=April 1, 2020 |title=FDA Warns Former NFL Player To Stop Claiming CBD Can Cure Coronavirus |work=Marijuana Moment |url=https://www.marijuanamoment.net/fda-warns-former-nfl-player-to-stop-claiming-cbd-can-cure-coronavirus/ |access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref>

====Gridiron Greats====
Turley is a board member and active supporter of the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a non-profit [[501(c)(3) organization]] providing medical care and other forms of assistance to retired NFL players in need.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund |url=http://gridirongreats.org/about-us/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805051058/http://gridirongreats.org/about-us/ |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=September 6, 2016 |website=gridirongreats.org}}</ref>  Turley first became involved as an active player in 2007 when he pledged one of his game checks to the fund and challenged other players to do the same,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Greg |date=November 28, 2007 |title=Chiefs' Turley plans to donate to retiree fund |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-28-sp-nflpension28-story.html |access-date=September 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511041225/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2007/nov/28/sports/sp-nflpension28 |archive-date=May 11, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=NFL Active Player, Kyle Turley, Donates Entire Game Check To Gridiron Greats To Help Retired Players In Need |date=November 27, 2007 |publisher=PRWeb |location=Chicago, IL |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/Kyle_Turley/Nonprofit/prweb572101.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430145034/http://www.prweb.com/releases/Kyle_Turley/Nonprofit/prweb572101.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 30, 2008 |access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref> many of whom joined in helping to raise several hundred thousand dollars.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=NFL Players Coordinate Grassroots Holiday Humanitarian Effort This Sunday |date=December 21, 2007 |publisher=PRWeb |location=Chicago, IL |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/Retired_NFL_Players/Football_Gridiron_Greats/prweb589771.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222124601/http://prweb.com/releases/Retired_NFL_Players/Football_Gridiron_Greats/prweb589771.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 22, 2007 |access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Greg |date=December 19, 2007 |title=Charity effort grows for retired players |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-19-sp-nflrep19-story.html |access-date=September 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917140524/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/dec/19/sports/sp-nflrep19 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>  Announcing his pledge at a November 2007 press conference,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Marshall |first=John |date=December 18, 2007 |title=Emotional Turley putting time, effort and money into assisting former NFL players |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-12-18-2801694133_x.htm |access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref> Turley spoke of the debilitating football-related health problems and inadequate medical and pension benefits that many retired players face,<ref name="usatoday upshaw">{{Cite news |last=O'Keeffe |first=Michael |date=November 28, 2007 |title=Chiefs' Kyle Turley criticizes Gene Upshaw for failing retired players |work=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/chiefs-kyle-turley-criticizes-gene-upshaw-failing-retired-players-article-1.258418 |access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref> a topic that had already been the focus of two congressional hearings earlier in the year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Keeffe |first=Michael |date=November 27, 2007 |title=Chiefs lineman Kyle Turley to donate paycheck to assist retired players |work=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/chiefs-lineman-kyle-turley-donate-paycheck-assist-retired-players-article-1.258429 |access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref>  Turley became the first active player to publicly take up the cause,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 27, 2007 |title=Turley challenges active players to give to fund |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3129741 |access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref> also taking [[National Football League Players Association|NFLPA]] executive director [[Gene Upshaw]] to task at the time for failing to address the issue.<ref name="usatoday upshaw" />  After retiring from football, Turley continued to raise funding and awareness for Gridiron Greats through his music career, donating a portion of his album sales and concert revenues to the organization.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Two Time NFL All-Pro Turns Rock Star Philanthropist; Kyle Turley on Tour with a Purpose |date=September 12, 2011 |publisher=PRNewswire |location=Chicago, IL |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/two-time-nfl-all-pro-turns-rock-star-philanthropist-kyle-turley-on-tour-with-a-purpose-129677028.html |access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref>

Through his involvement with Gridiron Greats, Turley was instrumental in the development of NFL Life Line, a 24/7 confidential [[crisis hotline]] for current and former NFL players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About the NFL Life Line |url=http://nfllifeline.org/about/ |access-date=September 6, 2016 |website=nfllifeline.org}}</ref>  Turley conceived of the idea after [[Junior Seau]] committed suicide in May 2012.<ref name="vice benefits">{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=Aaron |date=September 16, 2015 |title=Battle for benefits, Part 1: "Why do I have to fight you now?" |work=Vice Sports |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/battle-for-benefits-part-1-why-do-i-have-to-fight-you-now/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921031437/https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/battle-for-benefits-part-1-why-do-i-have-to-fight-you-now |archive-date=September 21, 2016}}</ref>

===Other===
After living in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] for a number of years, Turley and his family moved to [[Riverside, California]] in April 2014,<ref name="si benoit" /> bordering the city of Moreno Valley where Turley grew up and attended high school.  Turley has helped instruct the [[Arlington High School (California)|Arlington High School]] football team in Riverside, and also hosted a football camp at the school.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zink |first=David |date=July 10, 2014 |title=Former NFL star returning to his roots |work=The Press-Enterprise |url=http://www.pe.com/articles/turley-697406-football-camp.html |access-date=September 30, 2016}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150516103005/http://www.goaztecs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/turley_kyle00.html Aztecs bio] | [https://web.archive.org/web/20030223115533/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/players.php?player_id=68 Saints bio] | [https://web.archive.org/web/20050204051527/http://www.stlouisrams.com/Team/47456 Rams bio] | [https://web.archive.org/web/20080210030650/http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/kyle_turley/ Chiefs bio]
* Kyle Turley on [https://www.facebook.com/kyleturleymusic/ Facebook] | [https://twitter.com/KyleTurley Twitter] | [https://www.instagram.com/kyle_turley/ Instagram]
* Delta Doom on [https://www.facebook.com/DeltaDoom/ Facebook] | [https://soundcloud.com/deltadoom Soundcloud]
* [http://gridirongreats.org/ Gridiron Greats]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20191210053015/http://gridironcannabis.com/ Gridiron Cannabis Coalition]
* [https://neuroxpf.com/ Neuro XPF]

{{St. Louis Rams 10th Anniversary Team}}
{{SaintsFirstPick}}
{{Saints1998DraftPicks}}
{{1998 NFL Draft}}
{{1997 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Turley, Kyle}}
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:All-American college football players]]
[[Category:American cannabis activists]]
[[Category:American football offensive tackles]]
[[Category:American health activists]]
[[Category:Businesspeople in the cannabis industry]]
[[Category:Concussion activists]]
[[Category:Kansas City Chiefs players]]
[[Category:New Orleans Saints players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Moreno Valley, California]]
[[Category:San Diego State Aztecs football players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Provo, Utah]]
[[Category:St. Louis Rams players]]