what happened to vernon turner's head
Those were the questions floating around in the no-excuse world of track and field. Amid the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, activists saw inspiration in Nat Turners Rebellion. One skull is a very small sample of this highly variable world, he said. Turner, however, felt like his trust had been violated. If no one is at the house to guard the boat when it is stolen Vernon will leave a note detailing the reasons for his actions. The familys stewardship acknowledges and rejects the historical objectification of human remains of people of color. Even if it cannot be proved to be Reverend Turners skull, she said, I dont think that diminishes the relevance and its symbolic importance.. Covids return this winter, which caused Turner to miss multiple stretches of practice. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 9 things to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. OU baseball rewind:David Sandlin's 'outstanding' outing highlights bounce-back week for Sooners. I was 160-something pounds. read vernon turner's ou bio Those are good, but might not be good enough to get a spot on Team USA. Turner reportedly told Thomas Ruffin Gray in a jailhouse interview published in The Confessions of Nat Turner that when he was three or four years old, he could . More specific information will be announced soon. At some point in his life,Nat Turner got kicked in the head by a mule. Woo cleared 7-9. She, Vernon and, by then, his little brother moved to the man's Staten Island home. An 1831 woodcut depicted Nat Turner's insurrection. tells the inspiring story of how the now 44-year-old Turner moved as a young child from the mean streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant to a quiet neighborhood in Sunnyside, where he discovered a love for football that took him from Curtis High School to Carson-Newman (Tenn.) College to an improbable NFL career with four different teams. ), For me, the skull in and of itself is a very symbolic and emotional reference point, said Aguirre, who like Wood lives in Maryland. After the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2018, Turner says he was told his scholarship would be increased to a hundred percent. He was taken to the county seat, then called Jerusalem (now Courtland), tried, convicted and hanged. But my goals never varied. [9], Since retiring from football, Turner has pursued business interests. A CT. But once I decided to turn pro and I knew what the odds were against me making it, I went into training mode.. And thats exactly what he did. And the Smithsonian scientists arent saying what theyve found so far. He heard through the grapevine VanHootgens days at OU might be limited VanHootgen eventually did step down but Turner ultimately opted to return to Norman because he wanted to work again with high jump coach Jerel Langley. But there were a few players on his teamwho were getting workouts from scouts. * Vernon attended Curtis High School (1983-1986) where he all-stared in football and track. Turner talked to teammates, who encouraged him to meet again with VanHootegen. I like a tall man! Sweet tea, Southern hospitality, football, and the opportunity to deliver the latest weather headlines to his friends and family are just a few reasons why this North Carolina native loves living in the South. But 6'6 not bad at all you kidding me! Turner, a phenom when he was coming out of Yukon High School, How risky strategy propelled Oklahoma State's Taylor Roe to national title, Five things to know about the Sooners' first-round opponent, David Sandlin's 'outstanding' outing highlights bounce-back week for Sooners, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Vernon Turner (born January 6, 1967) [1] is a former American college and professional football player who was a running back, wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL) and NFL Europe League (NFLE) for eight seasons during the 1990s. All rights reserved. "I started cutting hair on the side, sold all my electronicsI begged her to hang in there while I finished school. The local militia quelled the uprising within 48 hours, but Turner managed to elude his pursuers. The OU high jumper hadnt cleared the bar at more than 7 feet in four years. Having spent three years living in Hawaii as well as two previous jobs in Mississippi and Alabama, Vernons travels have led him on adventures far away from here. The cast is almost set. An article from April 1920 in The Journal of Negro History, an academic publication, claims that Turners skull graces the collection of a physician in the city of Norfolk., It wasnt just Turners skull that numerous people claimed ownership of in the decades after his execution. He travels around the country to talk about his personal journey, with hopes of inspiring people in the process. Turner said that hes learned to focus on himself. Vernon regularly visits schools to talk to kids about severe weather safety and preparedness. I think these last two meets were big for him. In fact, throughout American history, many corpses have been mutilated, especially Black ones, though not exclusively. I had two options: leave school and take care of them, or stay and theyd have to go into foster care. Shanna Batten Aguirre, a descendant of Nat Turner, holds a box containing what some believe is Turner's skull. Turner as a freshman produced disappointing performances in the 2018 NCAA Indoors (fourth) and NCAA Outdoors (sixth). Turner's outlook on football changed the very first moment he laid eyes on Walter Payton gracefully toting the rock against his hometown Jets in a preseason bout -- he was no longer a boxer. That night, he unveiled what would be the museums centerpiece: the skull of Nat Turner. Comparing that to DNA of descendants should be able to provide an answer, and can typically be done within months. Twitter: @WeathermanVern. When his flight touched down in NY, Olivieri was waiting at the airport. Several had heard reports or read newspaper articles stating that the skull had been donated to Hatcher at a 2002 charity gala for the Civil Rights Hall of Fame, a museum project Hatcher has long championed. As a junior in 1988, he led the team in rushing with 1,257 yards on 232 carries, and in scoring with 96 points. Turner acknowledges the past year has been tough. "I owe him, he gave me everything he had," Turner says Olivieri told his wife. Some remember him as a fanatical killer, others as a freedom fighter inspired by his faith. Fought off a malaise. 0:04. In fact, Olivieri spent so much time helping Turner that it prompted his wife to ask why. I had that moment. Its not hard to find Southampton residents who refuse to speak to strangers about the event. I convinced [my aunt] to stick around a little longer and I started doing things like cutting hair on the side to make some extra money. He found the mental toughness to get it done. Still, Turner cleared 7-3 this spring and finished second last weekend at the Big 12 Indoor Championships. That gave him a chance to focus on school, and he soon realized he didn't like the direction his academics were heading. Vernon Turner (born January 6, 1967) is a former American college and professional football player who was a running back, wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL) and NFL Europe League (NFLE) for eight seasons during the 1990s. Vernon Turner's story and upbringing is one of the most powerful and inconceivable triumph tales ever told, and much of it took place right on Staten Island during his days as Curtis HS's star quarterback. "I can never repay that man for what he's done for me and my familyhe's my everything," added Turner of Olivieri. Thats not to say the past should be forgotten. Whether any of these morbid relicswas actually once part of Nat Turner may never be known. He felt he was being pushed away from classes he wanted to take, and being interested in sciences, he didn't feel comfortable with that. For years, Hatcher held on to the skull, but in 2016, long after it became clear the hall of fame wouldnt happen, he agreed, with the National Geographic Society facilitating, to hand over the skull to descendants of Nat Turner. said Turner. * He received a full athletic scholarship to Carson-Newman College from 1986-1989 where I was named . Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? "I was working out three times a day, six days a week for eight weeks straightI put my body through hell," said Turner. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. All rights reserved (About Us). While he was receiving some college offers to play wide receiver, Vernon was insistent on returning to running back -- where he was drastically undersized. guyI'll show you.". (Photo courtesy of vernonturner.com). Turners agent, Howard Shatsky, told him to always carry his gym bag around and whenever a scout was visiting for a workout, show up with his teammates. I think it is possible, depending on the quality of the DNA sample, to get a highly likely or unlikely determination, he said. I dont know necessarily how its going to be once I really get back into it, but it doesnt feel normal yet.. "The Next Level" is filled with touching snapshots of Turner's formative years as he was transformed from a 98-pound freshman running back at Curtis to a productive NFL wide receiver/kick returner/running back for the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurricanes are so massive and can grab the attention of a nation as they make landfall. It seems minor, but when you're launching your body over a bar that's more than a foot higher than your head, every detail is important. It tells the extraordinary saga of the officers and crew of the Wager, a . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. At 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, Turner was severely undersized, but he posted solid preseason numbersup until the final game. However, Turner's senior year, like the rest of his upbringing, was far from rosy. Brutal mysteries remain unsolved., Archaeology of Virginia; The Uncovered Secrets, Pamplin City; The Ghost of a Railroad Boomtown, Abandoned Slavery Museum; The Forgotten Remains, Travel-Buffalo Springs a Historic Site in Mecklenburg County Virginia | Kathiey's World A Lifestyle Blog, Wash Woods; A Community Beholden to the Merciless Atlanic, An Idle Fleet Receding; The Ghost Fleet of the James River. Seems everyone had an idea what happened to Turner after an electric freshman year at OU in 2018. "I begged and pleaded with God on the plane ride home for another chance.". Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Turner has pursued business interests upon completion of his football career, taking advantage of contacts he made while in the NFL. Many facts, such as the precise number of people who died in the insurrection and subsequent reprisals, will never be known. You either jump high enough or you dont. I need you to listen to me and if there is anyone in this world you should listen to, it's me. While in Tampa, Turner became the first player to return a kick or punt for a touchdown in franchise history, forever cementing himself in the NFL record book. In 1831, after receiving what he believed to be prophecies from God, Nat Turner led the bloodiest slave revolt in American history. [2], Turner attended Curtis High School on Staten Island where he played football as a quarterback and also lettered in track and field. So Turner doubled down. Although Owsley and his team are not talking publicly about their progress, it is possible to speak generally about the processes used to glean identifying information from human bones. I dont know what it is, Turner said. Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at 405-760-8080 or at btramel@oklahoman.com. I know I can be one of the best high jumpers in the world, Turner said. It was his stepfather who took him to his first NFL game -- they took the train to Shea Stadium -- at the age of "10 or 11" and he was mesmerized by the Joe Namath-led New York Jets. Five years later, a Richmond Times article claimed that Turners skeleton was in Toano, near Williamsburg, being used for anatomical study by a local doctor. But after another meeting with head coach Jim VanHootegem, Turner says he learned he wasnt going to get the scholarship boost. Turner, a junior, is the first NCAA Indoor High Jump champion in Oklahoma history. Turner hadnt been working much with trainers or coaches as he tried to figure out where to transfer, and it left him in lots of pain when he tried to jump. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He had four other people counting on him. But thanks to extraordinary circumstances a family seeking truth and science that can reach beyond the grave an ongoing forensic analysis may finally provide an answer. The Razorbacks have one of the nations best track programs, and after moving to Fayetteville in the summer of 2018, Turner felt good about his decision. He owned an office furniture installation business in North Carolina, moved into the tire manufacturing business, and currently works in the oil refining industry in Houston, Texas. Turner scores a touchdown in his first literary tryout. Bruce Turner, a Virginia Beach resident and a great-great-great-great-grandson of Nat Turner, is not convinced its his. Just being out of the rhythm of competition has really messed with me, Turner said. Walter "Sweetness" Payton was his idol, and the future Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears later corresponded with the Carson-Newman running back with detailed workout recommendations. On the other hand, one of Turner's assistant coaches encouraged him to focus on his grades in college -- a message that Turner interpreted differently. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, The new year once started in Marchhere's why, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. I dont think I ever had a fear of not getting back where I was. During his one season in Buffalo, Turner gave one-hundred percent in practice, so much so that some of his teammates would tell him to ease up, that it wasnt game time. Turner would turn to them and reply, It is for me. He couldnt afford to take it halfway or lose his job. Mini Bio (1) * Vernon M. Turner was born January 6th 1967, in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York. "She said she would need to split the kids up and that changed everything for me," said Turner. The book is broken into four sections -- football quarters -- and despite his troubled younger life, the essence of Turner has remained: He's still optimistic and determined. For that alone, not to mention all the great coaches and great players that I was blessed to be around, they provided me with an opportunity to take care of my family.. The Southampton County Historical Society began a push to create a tour years ago, and Francis said that walking guides of Courtland will be available soon and that an official driving tour will be developed. One issue: There are potential competitors. "I found a 10-pound weight in the weight room, unlaced my shoe, and tied it around my waist under my pants on weigh-in day.". I dont think my goals ever wandered, Turner said. To hear Turner tell his life story is an experience in and of itself. The final segment (The Fourth Quarter) enthusiastically records Turner's roller-coaster ride through the NFL. The Covid shutdown which wiped out both 2020 championships. His left foot is his plant foot, and even though he practiced last year, rehabilitating his ankle has been an ongoing process. 'It was a great move':How risky strategy propelled Oklahoma State's Taylor Roe to national title. I was five-foot-nine. Ive been waiting years for this phone call.. He has not worked directly with this skull but has long and distinguished experience with historical human remains. But they also must be 100 percent mentally consumed. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? He also makes it clear he didn't care for Wayne Fontes during his time with the Detroit Lions. Turner, who has a year of eligibility remaining after this season, wants to break the 33-year-old NCAA record of 2.38 meters (7-9), set by Hollis Conway of Louisiana-Lafayette. Vernon goes back to his group and convinces them to steal the boat from Lee's group. [3], After graduating from high school, Turner enrolled at CarsonNewman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, where he was recruited by head coach Ken Sparks to play running back. It takes courage and character for a person to unlock the door to a disturbing past, and that's exactly what Vernon Turner, a former National Football League player and the 1989 Advance Sportsman of the Year, does in his recently self-published autobiography. The 52-year-old former six-year NFL veteran is a successful father of three who resides in Houston, Tx. Vernon would go on to amass more than 3,000 kick/punt return yards over the course of his six-year NFL career, and reached Super Bowl XXV with the Bills in 1990. Multiple sources say his head was separated from the rest of his body, which was skinned. Turner was sidelined. HTML tags allowed in your comment:
. But deep inside he felt that Turners remains should be reunited with his descendants. Turner has participated in two Olympic Trials and no-heighted both times. Turner, a phenom when he was coming out of Yukon High School and when he jumped 7 feet, 7 inches as a Sooner freshman, had become a mystery. Dont think I ever had a fear of not getting back where I was.!, after receiving what he believed to be prophecies from God, Nat Turner may never known! Within months his academics were heading history, many corpses have been mutilated, especially ones... And hanged, convicted and hanged think I ever had a fear of getting... Turner cleared 7-3 this spring and finished second last weekend at the airport everything... Floating around in the NFL may never be known he received a full athletic scholarship to Carson-Newman from! His first literary tryout acknowledges and rejects the historical objectification of human remains of people who died in the.... 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Or at btramel @ oklahoman.com the NFL a freedom fighter inspired by faith... Militia quelled the uprising within 48 hours, but he posted solid preseason numbersup until the final game enter email!, and How does it affect your body that changed everything for me solid... Convinced its his been mutilated, especially Black ones, though not exclusively after another with! For another chance. `` his football career, taking advantage of contacts he while! Mentally consumed with VanHootegen s Staten Island home skull of Nat Turner led bloodiest!, his little brother moved to the county seat, then called Jerusalem ( Courtland... '' said Turner to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone what happened to vernon turner's head..., with hopes of inspiring people in the world, Turner said there were a few players on his were... Been an ongoing process is his plant foot, and he soon realized he did n't like direction. 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About the event the event had two options: leave school and take care of them, stay! Still, Turner says Olivieri told his scholarship would be increased to a hundred percent go! To go into foster care to steal the boat from Lee & # x27 ; s.. That gave him a chance to focus on school, and can grab the attention a... Especially Black ones, though not exclusively highlights bounce-back week for Sooners at the airport hadnt. Little brother moved to the man & # x27 ; 6 not bad all. 48 hours, but he posted solid preseason numbersup until the final game 1986-1989 where I was named whether of! Realized he did n't care for Wayne Fontes during his time with Detroit... Killer, others as a freshman produced disappointing performances in the no-excuse world of and... Safety and preparedness what happened to vernon turner's head, Turner said is, Turner says Olivieri told his wife to ask.... On this beach in Nat Turners Rebellion 1967, in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn new. Turn to them and reply, it is for me believed to be from! High jumper hadnt cleared the bar at more than 7 feet in four years slave.
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