Scott Turner: From NFL Gridiron to HUD Secretary
Eric Scott Turner, born on February 26, 1972, is an American politician and former professional football player. His multifaceted career has spanned the realms of athletics, business, public speaking, and public service, culminating in his current role as the 19th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Early Life and Education
Turner's journey began in Richardson, Texas, where he attended Mount Pisgah Baptist Community Church as a child. He later attended J.J. Pearce High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football and track and field. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of service and a commitment to hard work. "My mom and dad and my godparents always taught me to serve others," he said. "They always instilled in me to look out for other people and to work hard and to have a tremendous faith."
In 1990, Turner enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, competing in both football and track and field. He graduated in 1995 with a degree in speech communications. During his time at the University of Illinois, Turner honed his communication skills, which would later prove invaluable in his roles as a motivational speaker and politician.
Professional Football Career
That same year, Turner was selected in the seventh round of the National Football League’s draft by the Washington Redskins. The former NFL defensive back spent nine years in the league playing for the Washington Redskins (who drafted him in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft), San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. He played as a cornerback for the Redskins from 1995 to 1997. Then he played four seasons (1998-2002) for the San Diego Chargers. After a brief stint with the Denver Broncos in 2003, a leg injury during training camp in 2004 ended Turner’s professional football career.
Turner's transition out of the NFL was not without its challenges. He recognized the need to support other players in their own transitions. “I want to give back what I’ve been given to my peers, both active and former players, to help them in their transition (out of the NFL),” he said. “I meet with players all the time who are making career transitions and changes. My wife and I counsel former players and families all the time. We did that before I became a transition coach."
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Transition to Public Service
During his time in the NFL, Turner spent off-seasons interning for Congressman Duncan Hunter of California. After retiring from football in 2004, he transitioned into politics, working full time for Congressman Hunter. He soon decided it was time to dip his toe in the political pond himself and in 2006 launched his first political campaign, running in the Republican primary for an empty California congressional seat. After Turner retired from the NFL in 2003, Congressman Hunter offered him a full-time job in his office, which he quickly accepted. In 2006, he ran for the vacated seat of California's 50th congressional district in the special election to replace Duke Cunningham.
Turner credits his experience with Congressman Hunter as pivotal in sparking his interest in public service. “He’s a true statesman," Turner said of Duncan. "He took me under his wing. Took me to military bases where I would speak to returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s where I got really involved. I was very blessed in that Duncan was a mentor to me. He was a true servant leader. I got to see the good and the bad of our nation’s politics. During that time my heart was sparked for service to our country and the citizens of America and with the platform and talent the Lord blessed me with, I wanted to give back."
Texas State Representative
Following the election, Turner returned to Texas and settled in Frisco. He worked at Systemware, a content management software company, until 2023, serving as Chief Inspiration Officer, where he mentored employees and the executive team. He also served as an associate pastor at the Prestonwood Baptist Church.
In 2012, Turner ran successfully to represent the newly created 33rd district in the Texas House of Representatives. In 2012, Turner announced his candidacy for the newly created 33rd District of the Texas House of Representatives. In 2012, Turner ran for State Representative of the 33rd District of the Texas House of Representatives, an area just north of Dallas. He won. That same year, GOPAC named him to its list of emerging leaders in the Republican Party. During his tenure in the Texas legislature, Turner focused on education reform, economic development, and fiscal responsibility. He served two consecutive terms before choosing not to seek reelection in 2017.
White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council
In April 2019, President Donald Trump appointed Turner as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. In this role, he led efforts to revitalize economically distressed communities through the Opportunity Zones initiative, working with federal agencies and local governments to stimulate investment and development.
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Opportunity Zones provide tax incentives for investments in new businesses and commercial projects in low income and undercapitalized communities.
Post-White House Ventures
After his tenure in the White House, Turner founded and served as CEO of the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council (CEOC), which focuses on revitalizing communities through sports, mentorship, and economic opportunity. He also became chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, advocating for educational reforms and increased opportunities for students nationwide.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
On November 22, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Turner as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On November 22, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Turner as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the second Trump administration. Turner's nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025 by a vote of 55-44.
As HUD Secretary, Turner presides over plans to relocate the headquarters of HUD from the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building.
Additional Endeavors
Beyond his political and governmental roles, Turner is also an entrepreneur. He and his wife, Robin, own a company called Statesman Clothiers. It is a men’s fashion line that offers custom-made clothing, especially for men who have a hard time buying off the rack. And, who does all of the in-person consulting and measuring?
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Personal Life
Turner is married to Robin.
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