Delarrin Turner-Yell Bio
Delarrin Turner-Yell is an American professional football safety who currently plays in the National Football League. He was born on December 16, 1999, in Hempstead, Texas, and has built his career through determination and resilience. After a standout collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, Turner-Yell entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick in 2022. His professional journey has faced setbacks, most notably a significant ACL injury that affected the early portion of his NFL career. Despite these challenges, he continues to work toward establishing himself as a reliable presence in the defensive secondary.
Early Life and Background
Delarrin Turner-Yell was born on December 16, 1999, in Hempstead, Texas, where he grew up and attended Hempstead High School. During his high school years, he developed as a football player and attracted attention from college programs across the country. He was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com coming out of high school, indicating his potential to contribute at the collegiate level.
Turner-Yell received scholarship offers from multiple Division I programs before making his college commitment decision. His combination of size, athleticism, and football instincts made him a prospect worth pursuing for several programs seeking to strengthen their defensive units.
Path to American Football
Turner-Yell committed to play college football at the University of Oklahoma on August 26, 2017. He selected the Sooners over offers from notable programs including Baylor, Houston, and Iowa. This commitment marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football, as he aimed to develop his skills at one of college football’s premier programs known for producing NFL talent.
During his time at Oklahoma from 2018 to 2021, Turner-Yell honed his craft as a safety and became a contributing member of the Sooners’ defense. His progression through the program culminated in recognition for his on-field performance. He earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2021, validating his development into a dependable collegiate defender and signaling his readiness for the next level.
Delarrin Turner-Yell Career
Early Career (2022)
Turner-Yell was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round, 152nd overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. This selection represented the achievement of his lifelong dream to play professional football. Joining an organization with a storied history, he had the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and veteran players while competing for playing time in the secondary.
As a rookie during the 2022 season, Turner-Yell appeared in 14 games for the Broncos. He made an immediate impact on special teams and showed promise in limited defensive opportunities. His two fumble recoveries during his debut season demonstrated his ability to make plays when given the chance and hinted at his potential contribution to the defense going forward.
Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2022–2025)
Turner-Yell entered the 2023 season with elevated expectations following his solid rookie campaign. He competed for a larger role in the Broncos’ defensive scheme and saw increased playing time as the season progressed. His tackling ability and physical style of play fit well within the defensive philosophy the team sought to establish.
However, the 2023 season took a difficult turn when Turner-Yell suffered an ACL tear during Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers. This injury required surgical intervention and forced him to be placed on injured reserve on January 4, 2024. The setback interrupted his momentum and required an extensive rehabilitation process that would keep him off the field for an extended period.
Turner-Yell entered the 2024 season on the physically unable to perform list, which prevented him from participating in training activities and games. He ultimately missed the entire 2024 season as he continued his recovery from the ACL injury. The prolonged absence tested his patience and dedication to the sport, but he remained focused on returning to full health.
Denver Broncos Era (2022–Present)
The 2025 season brought significant roster movement for Turner-Yell. On August 26, 2025, the Broncos waived Turner-Yell, creating uncertainty about his future with the organization. The following day, he was re-signed to the practice squad, providing him with an opportunity to remain with the team and continue his rehabilitation process while contributing to the developmental environment of the practice squad.
Turner-Yell was elevated to the active roster for Week 16 of the 2025 season, offering him a chance to return to game action. However, he suffered a knee injury during that game and was later placed on the practice squad injured list. This latest setback again interrupted his season and left his status with the Broncos uncertain as the organization evaluated its roster options for the future.
Playing Style and Strengths
Turner-Yell is known for his physical style of play and effectiveness as a tackler in the secondary. His Listed height of 5 feet 11 inches and weight of 200 pounds provide him with the size necessary to match up against larger receivers and tight ends while maintaining the mobility required to cover faster offensive players. He has shown instincts for locating the football and making plays in the backfield, as evidenced by his fumble recoveries at the professional level. His experience playing multiple roles in college and his early NFL seasons has given him versatility in various defensive alignments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several defining moments have shaped Turner-Yell’s career trajectory. His selection in the 2022 NFL Draft represented the culmination of years of development and marked his official entry into professional football. His rookie season debut and subsequent 14-game appearance established him as a viable NFL player. The ACL injury sustained during the 2023 season represented a significant setback that tested his resilience and commitment to the sport. His most recent elevation to the active roster and subsequent injury in 2025 represent another chapter in his ongoing professional journey.
Delarrin Turner-Yell Career Statistics
Turner-Yell has compiled modest but notable statistics through his first several NFL seasons. His career totals reflect a player who contributed primarily on special teams while developing as a defensive option. Across his NFL career spanning the 2022 through 2024 seasons, he has recorded 42 total tackles while demonstrating his ability to force turnovers with two fumble recoveries. His single pass deflection shows his developing coverage skills as he continues to adjust to the speed and complexity of professional football.
College Highlights
During his collegiate career at Oklahoma from 2018 to 2021, Turner-Yell developed into a reliable defender for the Sooners. His Second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2021 stands as his highest individual honor, acknowledging his consistent performance against top competition within one of college football’s most competitive conferences. This achievement demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level against skilled opponents and validated his readiness for professional football.
Professional Statistics
At the NFL level, Turner-Yell has appeared in 14 games during his rookie season, accumulating 42 total tackles. He has also recorded two fumble recoveries and one pass deflection. These statistics represent his production through the 2024 season and do not include his limited appearances during the 2025 season.
| Competition | Total Tackles | Fumble Recoveries | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2022–2024) | 42 | 2 | 1 |
Delarrin Turner-Yell Personal Life
Education
Turner-Yell completed his high school education at Hempstead High School in Hempstead, Texas. His formative years in the Texas football environment provided him with valuable experience against strong competition. He then pursued higher education at the University of Oklahoma, where he balanced academic requirements with the demands of being a Division I football player.
Professional Outlook
Turner-Yell continues to work toward establishing himself as a dependable NFL safety despite facing multiple injury setbacks. His ability to overcome adversity and remain committed to his craft demonstrates his mental toughness and passion for the sport. As he progresses through his rehabilitation from his most recent injury, he aims to return to full health and compete for a permanent spot on an NFL roster. His experience at Oklahoma and his early professional tenure have provided him with the foundation necessary to contribute at the highest level of football when healthy.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been marked by roster instability for Turner-Yell. After being waived by the Broncos on August 26, he was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. This sequence of transactions reflected the team’s ongoing evaluation of its roster composition and Turner-Yell’s status as a developmental player recovering from injury. The practice squad assignment allowed him to continue working within the team’s system while remaining ready for potential promotion.
Turner-Yell’s elevation to the active roster for Week 16 represented a significant opportunity to return to game action. His performance during that appearance was cut short by another knee injury, resulting in his placement on the practice squad injured list. This latest setback has again complicated his path to sustained NFL playing time and raises questions about his long-term prognosis with the organization.
The outlook for Turner-Yell’s future with the Broncos remains uncertain following these developments. The team must decide whether to continue investing in his rehabilitation and development or explore other roster options. Regardless of the outcome, Turner-Yell has demonstrated resilience throughout his career by persisting through challenges and maintaining his commitment to returning to the football field.