Jim Turner, American football player and sportscaster

James "Tank" Turner: A Kicking Legend's Enduring Legacy

James Bayard Turner, affectionately known as "Tank," carved out a legendary career as an American professional football player, primarily remembered for his pivotal role as a prolific placekicker and occasional quarterback. Born on March 28, 1941, Turner's journey through college football at Utah State University set the stage for an impactful professional career that spanned an era of significant change in the sport, from the burgeoning American Football League (AFL) to the unified National Football League (NFL).

Early Career and AFL Dominance with the New York Jets

Turner launched his professional career in 1964, joining the American Football League's New York Jets as an undrafted free agent under the guidance of head coach Weeb Ewbank. It was with the Jets that "Tank" truly established himself as a dominant force. His 1968 regular season was nothing short of historic; he amassed an astonishing 145 points, a then-record for the league, punctuated by a professional football record of 34 field goals. This remarkable season was a testament to his precision and power, making him a cornerstone of the Jets' offensive strategy.

His contributions were absolutely critical to the Jets' championship aspirations. Turner kicked for nine points in their triumphant AFL Championship game victory over the formidable Oakland Raiders, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure. However, it was his iconic showing in the sport's ultimate spectacle, Super Bowl III, that etched his name into the annals of football history. In the Jets' stunning 16-7 upset victory against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts – a game that defied all expectations and cemented the AFL's legitimacy – Turner contributed ten crucial points. This included three field goals, with the final one being a mere 9-yard chip shot, which remains the shortest field goal in Super Bowl history. This unique record was a direct consequence of the goal posts' placement at the front of the end zones during that era. With the rule change in 1974 moving goal posts to the back, such a short kick is now impossible, making Turner's record virtually untouchable, with the shortest possible field goal under current rules being 17 yards.

The Infamous "Heidi Game"

Beyond Super Bowl glory, James Turner also played a central, albeit unintentional, role in one of professional football's most bizarre and memorable broadcasting blunders: the "Heidi game" of 1968. In a thrilling regular-season contest against the Oakland Raiders, Turner was responsible for the final two plays that unfolded just as NBC infamously cut away from the game to air the children's movie "Heidi." With just 1:05 remaining, Turner kicked a tiebreaking 26-yard field goal, putting the Jets ahead 32-29. He then executed the subsequent kickoff to the Raiders, who returned it to their own 22-yard line with 1:01 left. As viewers were plunged into commercials and then the movie, they missed a stunning Raiders comeback, including two rapid-fire touchdowns that resulted in a dramatic 43-32 Oakland victory. This incident underscored Turner's impactful presence in high-stakes moments, even those marred by external circumstances.

Post-Merger Career with the Denver Broncos and Retirement

Following the historic AFL-NFL merger, Turner continued his distinguished career, joining the Denver Broncos where he played for another nine seasons. His consistency remained a hallmark of his game. He notably appeared in Super Bowl XII with the Broncos, contributing four points in a losing effort against the Dallas Cowboys. This included a successful 47-yard field goal and an extra point following a 5-yard touchdown run by Rob Lytle, once again demonstrating his ability to deliver points on the biggest stage. His profound impact on the Broncos franchise was recognized in 1988 when he was rightfully inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, an honor reserved for the team's most significant contributors.

By the time James "Tank" Turner concluded his remarkable career, he had accumulated an impressive 1,439 total points, connecting on 304 of 488 field goal attempts (62%) and 521 of 534 extra points. At the time of his retirement, his 304 field goals made stood as the most in NFL history, a testament to his enduring skill and longevity as one of the game's premier kickers.

Life Beyond the Gridiron: Sportscasting

Even after hanging up his cleats, Turner remained connected to the sport he loved. In the early 1980s, he transitioned into broadcasting, lending his insightful perspective as a color commentary sportscaster for NBC. This role allowed him to share his extensive knowledge and passion for football with a new generation of fans, further solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted figure in the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About James "Tank" Turner

Who is James "Tank" Turner?

James Bayard Turner, known as "Tank," is a former American professional football player, renowned as a pioneering placekicker and occasional quarterback for the New York Jets and Denver Broncos.

What positions did James Turner play?

He primarily played as a placekicker but also served as a quarterback earlier in his career.

What teams did James "Tank" Turner play for?

Turner played for the New York Jets (AFL/NFL) and the Denver Broncos (NFL).

When did James Turner make his professional debut?

He debuted in professional football in 1964, signing as a free agent with the New York Jets.

What Super Bowls did James Turner play in?

He played in Super Bowl III with the New York Jets and Super Bowl XII with the Denver Broncos.

What records or famous moments is James Turner known for?

He is famous for kicking a then-record 145 points and 34 field goals in the 1968 season, his crucial role in the New York Jets' Super Bowl III victory (including the shortest field goal in Super Bowl history), his involvement in the infamous "Heidi game," and holding the NFL record for most career field goals at the time of his retirement.

Is James Turner in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

While not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, James Turner was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988, an honor recognizing his significant contributions to the franchise.