Keena Turner

A native of Chicago, Keena Turner began his football career at Chicago Vocational High School, home of football legend, Dick Butkus. He attended Purdue University and while there, Turner was a two-time All-Big Ten, All American and Boilermakers’ MVP. In 2006, his alma mater inducted him into the university’s Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1980, Turner was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers and played outside linebacker with the “Team of the Decade” until his retirement in 1990. His eleven-year contribution to the team resulted in four Super Bowl wins and a trip to the Pro Bowl. He championed the 49ers to victory as Captain of the 1984 team and was subsequently chosen by his teammates as the “Len Eshmont Award” recipient for his courageous and inspirational play.

After the NFL, Turner continued his association with the 49ers, working in Player and Community Relations. In 1992, he joined his former coach and mentor, Bill Walsh, at Stanford University, where he served as an assistant coach until 1995.

Upon leaving Stanford, Turner launched his radio and television career. Turner worked for 15 seasons as the color analyst for 49ers’ preseason games on KPIX Channel 5, as well as his role as co-host of the 49ers Preview Show. In 2010, Turner completed his 15th year as the radio/TV color analyst for the Arena Bowl Champion (’02, ’04, ’07) San Jose SaberCats alongside famed Bay Area commentator, Bob Fitzgerald. You might just hear him this preseason as he is scheduled to cover the 49ers!

In July of 1998, Turner returned to the San Francisco 49ers, and has held various supporting roles during his tenure. Turner played an integral role in the creation of the 49ers Museum. In his current role, Turner is Vice President and Senior Advisor to the General Manager as he concentrates his efforts full time for the team.

In 2012, Turner was given the Mensch Award when he was inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Added to this list of honors, Turner was inducted, just this year, into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame with the Class of 2019.

And for all movie fans, you need to rent “The Game” starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. Turner has a small part about 30 minutes into the film, but don’t blink – you may miss him!

Turner’s dedication to excellence is not limited to the playing field. He has been a constant supporter of The Koret Family House in San Francisco for the past 30 years. For ten years, Turner created, implemented, and judged a student essay contest for the Tracy Middle School system emphasizing the importance of academics. In its 27th successful year, The Keena Turner Boys and Girls Clubs Golf Tournament bringing the total raised to well over $6 million.