Kevin Turner was a football player. He played eight seasons in the NFL, including a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1990s. He was a fullback. He loved the game.
When he retired in 2000, at the age of 31, doctors said he had the spinal column of a 65-year-old. All those hits . . .
Just two years ago, Kevin was diagnosed with ALS - otherwise knows as Lou Gherig's Disease.
According to the Boston Globe, Turner is the 14th player to be diagnosed with ALS since 1960. That's a much higher rate than occurs in most males.
In 2010 he told Fox 29's tom Scredenschek, "It's kind of the culture that you're in to be able to play through – you know, I tried to play through anything as long as I didn't think it was, you know, too, too serious," Turner said. "And that's why I finally gave it up after, you know, I got a hit out there. And it wasn't a vicious hit, either. It was just kind of a glancing blow, and both of my arms went numb. I knew right then that I wasn't going to do it anymore."
2. Raise awareness about the seriousness of brain trauma in athletes at every level of competition and its possible connection to ALS
3. And to financially support efforts to study, treat, prevent and ultimately cure this disease.
Kevin has returned to Philadelphia to promote a new documentary that will not only shed light on this disease - it will also showcase his love of the game and his love of family.
Check out his awesome interview from good Day this morning and if you would like to attend the screening, click here.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Kevin Turner on Good Day
