Turner was born in Fort Worth, Texas and attended Hardin-Simmons University. He was a two-way player, playing both offense and defense, and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1940 NFL Draft. He played for the Bears for nine seasons, from 1940 to 1948, and was an integral part of the Bears' championship teams in 1940 and 1941. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1943 and 1945 and was named to the NFL 1940s All-Decade Team.
In 1949, Turner was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he played for six seasons. He was a part of the Rams' 1951 championship team and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1952. He retired after the 1955 season and returned to the Bears in 1958 as a coach. He was the Bears' defensive line coach for four seasons, from 1958 to 1961.
Turner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972. He is remembered as one of the greatest players of his era and is still considered one of the best defensive linemen in NFL history.
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