Keena Turner
A native of Chicago, Keena Turner began his football career at Chicago Vocational High School, home of football legend, Dick Butkus. He attended Purdue University and while there, Keena was a two-time All Big Ten, All American and Boilermakers’ MVP.
In 1980, Keena was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers and played outside linebacker with the “Team of the Decade” until his retirement in 1990. His eleven-year contribution to the team resulted in four Super Bowl wins and a trip to the Pro Bowl. He championed the 49ers to victory as Captain of the 1984 team and was subsequently chosen by his teammates as the “Len Eshmont Award” recipient for his courageous and inspirational play.
After the NFL, Keena continued his association with the 49ers, working in Player and Community Relations. In 1992, he joined his former coach and mentor, Bill Walsh, at Stanford University, where he served as an assistant coach until 1995.
Upon leaving Stanford, Keena launched his radio and television career. This fall, Keena began yet another season as the color analyst for 49ers’ preseason games on KPIX Channel 5, along with his eighth season as co-host of the 49ers Preview Show (CBS airing Sunday mornings). In 2005, Keena will embark upon his eleventh year as the radio/TV color analyst for the 2002 & 2004 ArenaBowl Champion San Jose SaberCats alongside famed Bay Area commentator, Bob Fitzgerald.
In July of 1998, Keena returned to the San Francisco 49ers, and today he is still actively involved with his former teammates in the team’s Alumni Relations department.
And for all you movie fans, you need to rent “The Game” starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. Keena has a small part about 30 minutes into the film, but don’t blink – you may miss him!
Keena’s dedication to excellence is not limited to the playing field. He has been a member of the Board of Directors at Family House in San Francisco for the past 14 years. In Tracy, California, Keena created a student essay contest for the Middle School system emphasizing the importance of academics. In its ninth successful year, The Keena Turner Boys and Girls Clubs Golf Tournament raised over $190,000, bringing the total raised to almost $1Million.
In June of 2000, Keena opened a Toyota dealership in Tracy – TRACY TOYOTA – with his partner and former teammate, Ronnie Lott. Keena now spends his time in the day-to-day operations of the store as his efforts are directed at expanding Lott Automotive.
Keena is married and has three children - Sheena 19, Ella 5 1/2 and Miles 4 – and he and wife, Linda, make Tracy their home.Copyright© 1998-2005 The Todd Greene Agency, LLC. All rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.