Keena Turner

Keena Turner exemplified the San Francisco 49ers dominance throughout the 1980s as a versatile gamechanging linebacker Born October 22 1958 in Chicago Illinois Turner attended Chicago Vocational High School before starring at Purdue University where he earned Firstteam AllBig Ten honors in 1978 and 1979 Drafted by the 49ers in the second round 39th overall in 1980 the 6foot2 219pound Turner spent his entire 11year career in San Francisco playing in 153 games with 118 starts He won four Super Bowl championships XVI XIX XXIII XXIV and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1985 Turner was also honored with the Len Eshmont Award in 1984 for exemplifying courageous and inspirational play His career totals included 195 sacks and 11 interceptions Turners strengths defined versatility and reliability Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh called him the best allaround linebacker in the league for a 10year period praising his ability to do everything required at the position Turner combined exceptional athleticism with football intelligence and unwavering toughness His greatest moments showcased legendary dedication For example during Super Bowl XVI Turner recorded a sack as part of the dominant defensive effort that led the 49ers to a 2621 victory over Cincinnati remarkably playing through chickenpox that caused blisters all over his body and resulted in a 15pound weight loss A starter on all three of Bill Walshs Super Bowlwinning teams Turner demonstrated consistency and excellence throughout the dynastys foundation After retirement Turner coached linebackers at Stanford under Walsh 19921994 before serving as a 49ers preseason color analyst for 15 years He has spent over three decades in the 49ers front office currently serving as Vice President and Senior Advisor to the General Manager Turner has also devoted himself to community service hosting an annual Boys Girls Clubs golf tournament that has raised over 5 million He was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2019