Nicolas “Cole” Turner Bio
Nicolas “Cole” Turner is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 16, 2000, in Clackamas, Oregon, Turner played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack as a wide receiver before making the transition to tight end for his senior season. He entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick (149th overall) by the Washington Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft. Turner follows in the footsteps of his father, Kelly Turner, who played tight end for Purdue from 1987 to 1990.
Early Life and Background
Turner was born in Clackamas, Oregon, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He attended Clackamas High School, where he established himself as a two-sport athlete, excelling in both football and basketball. During his high school football career, Turner helped lead the Cavaliers to three consecutive conference titles and a state championship in 2017.
As a senior in 2017, Turner emerged as one of the top receivers in the entire state of Oregon. He recorded 76 receptions for 1,325 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading all receivers in Oregon. His outstanding performance earned him all-state honors and attracted attention from college programs across the country. His versatility as a receiver and his size made him an attractive prospect for the next level.
Path to the NFL
Following his stellar high school career, Turner enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2018 to play for the Nevada Wolf Pack. He appeared in 12 games as a true freshman, lining up as a wide receiver and gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level. His early college career showed promise as he adapted to the faster pace and more complex schemes of major college football.
Prior to his junior season in 2020, Turner made a significant position switch from wide receiver to tight end. The transition proved to be a turning point in his development as a player. In his first season at tight end, he recorded nine touchdown catches and finished second on the team with 49 receptions for 605 receiving yards. His performance earned him first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors. His senior season in 2021 saw him make 10 touchdown receptions, which tied for second in the nation among tight ends behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers. He earned second-team All-Mountain West recognition for his efforts. Turner also participated in the 2022 Senior Bowl, a prestigious all-star game that showcases top college prospects.
Nicolas “Cole” Turner Career
Washington Commanders (2022–2024)
Turner was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 6, 2022, officially beginning his professional career. As a rookie, Turner worked to adapt to the NFL level while developing under the guidance of the Commanders coaching staff.
During his time in Washington, Turner appeared in games as a reserve tight end, contributing on special teams and in offensive packages. His development continued through his second season as he worked to refine his route-running and blocking techniques at the professional level. On August 27, 2024, Turner was waived by the Commanders as part of final roster cuts but was signed to their practice squad the following day. He later signed a reserve/future contract with the Commanders on January 28, 2025, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development.
Tennessee Titans (2025)
Turner’s tenure with the Commanders came to an end when he was waived again on August 26, 2025, during final roster reductions. He subsequently signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad on December 9, 2025. This move allowed him to continue developing his craft while competing for a spot on an active roster during the 2025 season.
Miami Dolphins (2026–Present)
On January 9, 2026, Turner signed a reserve/futures contract with the Miami Dolphins, joining the franchise for the 2026 season. The contract represented a new chapter in his professional career as he looked to establish himself with a new team in the AFC. Turner wears jersey number 87 for the Dolphins and continues to work toward earning a more prominent role in the team’s offensive scheme.
Playing Style and Strengths
Turner brings a unique combination of size and athleticism to the tight end position. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 240 pounds, he presents a significant target for quarterbacks in the passing game. His experience as a wide receiver early in his college career gives him refined route-running ability for a player of his size. He has shown reliability as a pass-catcher, particularly in the red zone, where his height and leaping ability make him a matchup problem for smaller defensive backs.
Nicolas “Cole” Turner Career Highlights
Turner has built his professional career while accumulating valuable experience across multiple organizations. His collegiate career produced impressive numbers, particularly during his two seasons as a tight end at Nevada, where he combined for 19 touchdown receptions across 2020 and 2021.
College Career Highlights
Turner’s college career at Nevada demonstrated consistent growth and production. In his first season at tight end (2020), he earned first-team All-Mountain West honors after leading the team in touchdown catches with nine. His 49 receptions for 605 yards showed his reliability as a receiving option. His senior season in 2021 was equally impressive, as his 10 touchdown receptions ranked among the best in the entire nation for tight ends, earning him second-team All-Mountain West recognition. His performance at the 2022 Senior Bowl further solidified his standing as a mid-round prospect.
Nicolas “Cole” Turner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Football runs in the Turner family, providing Cole with a strong foundation in the sport. His father, Kelly Turner, played tight end at Purdue University from 1987 to 1990, giving Cole a family legacy to follow. Growing up with a father who played at the collegiate level and understanding the demands of the position provided Cole with early insights into what it takes to succeed as a tight end at the highest levels of the sport.
Personal Life
While Turner was born with the given name Nicolas, he has preferred going by Cole since childhood. This nickname has stuck with him throughout his youth, high school, college, and professional careers. Turner remains focused on his football career and continues to work toward achieving his goals at the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Turner as he moved between organizations. After being waived by the Washington Commanders during final roster cuts, he signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad midway through the season. This period allowed him to continue developing while waiting for an opportunity to earn a more permanent role with an NFL franchise. His ability to land a reserve/futures contract with the Miami Dolphins in January 2026 demonstrated that teams continued to see potential in his skill set. Turner enters the 2026 season with the Dolphins looking to compete for a more significant role in the team’s offensive plans.