Washington, D.C., Kobie Turner’s parents, Lamar Turner and Latesa Valentine, have been a significant source of support and guidance throughout his journey of becoming a professional football player.
The Los Angeles Rams defensive end collapses Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darold’s pocket for a sack.
Highlights
- Kobie Turner’s parents, Lamar and Latesa, raised him alongside two brothers and a sister.
- His parents named him after a fish, Cobia, which Lamar caught when his mother was pregnant.
- He competed in The Masked Singer season twelve as Goo but was eliminated in the Quarterfinals.
Kobie began playing football at Centreville High School before joining the University of Richmond as a walk-on in 2018.
He played 37 games with 27 starts and recorded 158 tackles for the Richmond. Later, he was named the CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
However, he transferred to Wake Forest University in 2022, finishing the year with 38 tackles and two sacks.
The Los Angeles Rams selected him in the third round with the 89th pick of the 2023 NFL draft, and he was awarded the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for December.
Moreover, Kobie was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team at the end of the season.
Kobie Turner’s Parents Named Him After A Fish
Kobie Turner, the son of Lamar and Latesa Turner, was born on April 26, 1999, in Washington, D.C. He grew up with his two brothers, Lamar and AJ, and a sister, Olivia.
They share a close bond, supporting and encouraging each other in their career goals. They often share their achievements on social media.
Congratulations to my son AJ Turner on his college graduation. Go Gamecocks pic.twitter.com/u8xgBUbWHe
— Lamar Turner Jr. (@ATurnerburner) December 18, 2019
Kobie’s mother studied at Melbourne High School and graduated from Florida A&M University in 1996. On the other hand, his father hails from Melbourne, Florida.
Although his parents preferred to live a private lifestyle, he credits his parents for his success.
Their family wouldn’t have been the same without the support of loving parents who have a special heart for humanity.
Lamar and Latesa named Kobie after a fish, Cobia, which Lamar caught when his mother was pregnant. It was longer than Lamar, and he told his wife they should name their child Cobia after his trophy.
Latesa refused, but Lamar combined the fish with Hobie, the outdoor brand, and they agreed on Kobie.
However, Kobie wasn’t a big fish in football recruiting circles coming out of high school. He lacked elite speed, had a late growth spurt, and played multiple positions, which made him more challenging to evaluate.
I’ve never been the fastest guy, I was always really physical, but my dad always says I always knew where the ball was going. In high school, I saw, this guy’s pulling, I know if he’s pulling then this guy’s blocking down on me and I can just wipe across.
Kobie Turner
Nonetheless, his parents are always by his side, supporting his NFL journey and his musical career. He has also hosted some private workouts in Northern Virginia.
I’ll be hosting some private workouts for D-Linemen and Pass Rushers in Northern Virginia, July 28-29. Come learn technique to help you DOMINATE the line of scrimmage this fall! High School and College Players are welcome!!
Kobie Turner
Kobie Turner Was Eliminated From The Masked Singer
Los Angeles Rams defensive end got some Division III attention during high school, and he felt challenged to have a scholarship offer in sports.
Thus, he began researching whether he could get a musical scholarship, turning his passion for singing into a collegiate opportunity. However, he jumped at the opportunity the FCS school, Richmond provided.
Daddy trying to sing like KOBIE Turner “The CONDUCTOR” Tennessee Whiskey pic.twitter.com/GCxcs8AcUf
— Lamar Turner Jr. (@ATurnerburner) February 15, 2023
Kobie is passionate about football and music and kept his passion alive, maintaining a balance between both.
He grew up listening to gospel music, reggae, and R&B around the house, and music became part of his life at an early age.
Moreover, he ran three A cappella groups in high school, earning him the nickname “The Conductor.” He performed the national anthem at Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings games.
Being able to go back and play music and use that to pour on my emotions and whatever it may be, and that was kind of my voice.
Kobie Turner
In 2024, Kobie competed in season twelve of The Masked Singer as “Goo” and had Keenan Allen serve as his Mask Ambassador.
Although Jenny McCarthy rang the Ding Dong Keep It On Bell to save him in the Group B finals, he was eliminated in the Quarterfinals.
Additional Information
- Kobie Turner finished third in voting for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year behind Jalen Carter and winner Will Anderson Jr.
- He is happily in a relationship with Alissa Villanueva, and they often share glimpses of their personal life on social media.
- He signed a four-year contract worth $5,391,470 with the Rams on July 14, 2023.
