By John Ingoldsby
Engagement Insider
DALLAS, TX February 10, 2014 – Sunday drives are a part of Americana, and even more so when they go through downtown Washington, DC.
And if you play for the Washington Redskins and are a passenger on these gameday morning treks to the old RFK Stadium, well, what could be more inspiring?
For Scott Turner, nothing could be, and it started him down the path of a political career that today has him seeking the Speakership position in the Texas State House.
“Sunday mornings are one of the most serene times in America,” said the nine-year NFL veteran, “so as a rookie in 1995, I sat in the back seat while Daryl Green and Tim Johnson drive to the old RFK Stadium for our games, and I would look at the beauty of a quiet downtown DC, the buildings, the architecture, the history, the Potomac, and it was just so peaceful and majestic. That was when the coin dropped in my heart that one day I would like to be a servant leader in our government.”
It didn’t take long for the speedy defensive back to act on those thoughts, as he took the plunge into politics while still active in the NFL, which also included stints with the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos.
“When I was playing for the Broncos my last couple of years, I interned in the offseason with Congressman Duncan Hunter out of San Diego, who was the Republican Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and I worked in both his district office in San Diego and at his Washington office at the Capitol,” said the Richardson, Texas native. “So I got to see him and how he worked, and received first-hand experience in being a public servant. I also got to see both sides of the spectrum, the good and the bad, and it opened up my eyes.”
But it was clearly more good than bad for this University of Illinois graduate.
“I was always dedicated to service in general, the community, church, family, those in need,” he added. “This is just a continuation of what my life has encompassed. Service for me is not a new thing, since I am a people person.”
Now he is a people person with the proper podium.
“I always felt that I was called to serve people, and what greater platform than the National Football League, and now coming to an environment where I represent 170,000 people, and get to serve them and their families,” stated Turner. “That is a tremendous honor, and it’s humbling, but it’s a great joy as well.”
A joy that he exudes in his current House role in a suburban Dallas district, where the entrepreneurial Turner is also is a software marketing executive, and serves as the corporate pastor. Additionally, he works with a community bank and even just started a custom clothing company called Statesman Clothiers.
“I have been very blessed to have had a great career in the NFL and also now in business, so I don’t look at politics as a career, but as a platform to serve and help people in our state be the best they can be,” he exclaimed. “That is my vision and outlook on politics, and running for Speaker is part of that.”
And if indeed a year from now, Turner is elected Speaker by his current colleagues, his vision may be even more clear.
“The Speaker is a great responsibility and the stakes are very high, since it’s the position that serves all the members as they serve their constituency in the 150 Texas districts,” emphasized Turner. “Right now in Texas there is a changing of the guard in virtually every statewide position, which hasn’t happened in over a decade, and I believe a change in leadership is healthy in most areas, politics, business and sports, to get fresh people and fresh ideas.”
Given his time in the uber-competitive NFL, he knows whereof he speaks.
“When I was 33 in my ninth year in the NFL, I was still the fastest person on the team,” he recalled, “but when you get younger guys that grasp the game, a passing of the baton is necessary and good for the team since those behind can carry the torch.”
For the torch of Speaker to pass to him on the first day of the 2015 session, he will be busy in 2014.
“When we are not in House session every other year from January to May, I like to be home,” said Turner, who was first elected to the legislature in 2012. “But since the Speaker is elected by the members, this year I will be traveling a lot and building on relationships with members that I already have in place.”