Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Tanos Potter
DJ Turner II is an American professional football player who plays cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Born on November 9, 2000, Turner grew up in Suwanee, Georgia, before becoming a standout college football player at the University of Michigan.
Beyond his professional football career, Turner comes from a supportive family with strong connections to sports. His parents are JuanDrago Turner and Donyale Turner, while he also has a sister who has been publicly acknowledged in interviews and statements about his family.
His father played college football and later pursued a career in software sales, while his mother has been an important influence throughout his athletic development. Although Turner has spoken openly about his parents and sister, he maintains considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
DJ Turner II’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, DJ Turner II has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or provided sufficient verified information to establish his current relationship status.
The Cincinnati Bengals cornerback has generally kept his romantic life away from extensive media coverage, with most of his interviews focusing on football, his upbringing and the support he receives from his family.
During his college career at Michigan, Turner occasionally discussed his parents and sister but did not publicly identify a romantic partner in reliable interviews.
Similarly, after being selected by Cincinnati in the 2023 NFL Draft, his public appearances largely concentrated on his transition to professional football.
There is also no sufficiently verified public announcement establishing that Turner is engaged or married.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains private. The absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean that he is single.
Does DJ Turner II Have Children?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that DJ Turner II has children.
Neither his official Cincinnati Bengals biography nor his University of Michigan athletics profile identifies him as a father.
Turner has also not made a widely documented public announcement concerning the birth of a son or daughter.
While he has shared information about his upbringing and the sacrifices made by his parents, details about whether he has started a family of his own remain private.
Therefore, claims that Turner has children should not be presented as established facts without reliable confirmation.
DJ Turner II’s Parents
DJ Turner II’s Father: JuanDrago Turner
DJ Turner II’s father is JuanDrago Turner, also known as Drago, a former college football player and longtime supporter of his son’s athletic career.
According to an August 2023 article published by the Cincinnati Bengals, JuanDrago grew up in Decatur, Georgia, near Atlanta.
He developed an interest in American football during childhood and frequently followed the Atlanta Falcons.
JuanDrago later attended Livingston University, now known as the University of West Alabama, where he played college football as a wide receiver.
Although he did not establish a widely documented professional football career, his experience in college athletics helped him understand the discipline and dedication required to compete at a high level.
After college, JuanDrago pursued a professional career in software sales.
He and his wife, Donyale, raised their children in Suwanee, Georgia, where football became an important part of family life.
His son inherited his unusual first name, JuanDrago, which was originally given to the elder Turner by an aunt.
As a result, the Cincinnati Bengals cornerback is officially named JuanDrago Turner II, although he is commonly known as DJ Turner.
How JuanDrago Turner Influenced His Son’s Football Career
JuanDrago Turner played an important role in encouraging DJ to pursue football from a young age.
Growing up near Atlanta, DJ frequently watched Falcons games with his father and became familiar with some of the team’s most recognizable players.
His father had been a Falcons season-ticket holder and introduced his son to professional football through regular visits to games and other sporting activities.
DJ developed an interest in defensive football, particularly the cornerback position.
According to the Cincinnati Bengals, former NFL cornerback Ray Buchanan began working with Turner during his eighth-grade years.
Buchanan, who played for the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts, helped him improve his technique and understanding of defensive coverage.
JuanDrago supported these training opportunities, recognizing that his son was willing to sacrifice free time to develop his football abilities.
In an August 2023 interview, he praised DJ’s determination and confidence, explaining that his son had consistently demonstrated a willingness to work toward difficult goals.
His father’s guidance continued when DJ transferred from North Gwinnett High School to IMG Academy in Florida and later enrolled at the University of Michigan.
JuanDrago and Donyale frequently traveled to attend Michigan football games, supporting their son throughout his college career.
DJ Turner II’s Mother: Donyale Turner
DJ Turner II’s mother is Donyale Turner, who has played an important role in his upbringing, education and professional football development.
Alongside her husband, JuanDrago, Donyale raised DJ and his sister in Gwinnett County, Georgia, a suburban area northeast of Atlanta.
Her involvement in her son’s football journey began during his early childhood.
During an October 28, 2026, interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Donyale recalled that DJ had demonstrated an interest in football even as a baby.
She explained that he would watch games on television with remarkable concentration and become restless whenever commercials interrupted the action.
As he grew older, DJ eagerly anticipated reaching the minimum age required to participate in organized youth football in Gwinnett County.
He began pursuing his football ambitions at approximately six years old, eventually developing into one of Georgia’s promising young defensive players.
Donyale continued supporting his progress throughout youth football and high school.
How Donyale Turner Supported Her Son’s Education
Donyale Turner has consistently emphasized the importance of education alongside athletic achievement.
When DJ was preparing for his final year of high school, the family faced an important decision about whether he should remain at North Gwinnett or transfer to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
IMG Academy is a nationally recognized institution that combines academic education with specialized athletic training.
During her October 2026 interview, Donyale explained that she and her husband viewed the move as an opportunity for their son to develop greater independence before attending college.
Although the decision meant DJ would live away from home, his parents believed the experience would prepare him for the demands of university life.
Donyale also explained that education played an important role in DJ’s eventual decision to attend the University of Michigan.
She wanted him to receive a strong academic foundation while continuing his football development.
Turner subsequently completed his studies at Michigan before entering the 2023 NFL Draft.
When he announced his decision to turn professional, he thanked his parents and sister for their sacrifices and expressed pride in earning his Michigan degree.
Donyale Turner’s Support During DJ’s NFL Career
Donyale has remained closely involved in her son’s professional football career since he joined Cincinnati.
During the October 2026 Cincinnati Enquirer interview, she discussed the challenges he experienced while establishing himself as an NFL cornerback.
Before the start of the 2025 season, Turner learned that he would not initially have a starting position in Cincinnati’s defense.
Rather than becoming discouraged, he continued working to improve his performance and eventually regained his starting role.
He went on to produce his strongest professional season to that point, recording 18 passes defended and his first two NFL interceptions.
Donyale explained that her son’s resilience reflected lessons he had learned throughout his childhood.
She emphasized that both DJ and his sister had been raised to accept responsibility, overcome setbacks and avoid making excuses.
Her comments demonstrated the importance of determination and self-discipline within the Turner family.
DJ Turner II’s Siblings
DJ Turner II’s Sister
DJ Turner II has a sister whose existence has been confirmed through official interviews and his own public statements.
However, her name, age, occupation and other personal details have not been sufficiently established in reliable public reporting.
During an August 2023 Cincinnati Bengals interview, JuanDrago Turner explained that he had raised a son and daughter with his wife, Donyale, in Suwanee, Georgia.
The reference confirmed that DJ grew up alongside a sister.
Turner also publicly acknowledged his sister when he announced his decision to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
In a statement published in January 2023, he thanked his mother, father and sister for their sacrifices throughout his football journey.
He explained that their encouragement had helped him fulfill his childhood ambition of reaching professional football.
His sister was again mentioned during Donyale Turner’s October 2026 interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Donyale discussed how she and her husband had raised both children to demonstrate resilience, personal responsibility and determination.
Although DJ’s sister has largely remained outside the public spotlight, these accounts establish that she is an important member of his immediate family.
Does DJ Turner II Have Brothers?
As of now, reliable public reporting has not established that DJ Turner II has a biological brother.
Official Cincinnati Bengals interviews and his public statements consistently identify a sister, but they do not provide verified information about any brothers.
This does not necessarily establish that Turner has no other siblings. It means that additional biological sibling relationships have not been confirmed through reliable public sources.
DJ Turner II’s Family Connection to Myles Murphy
One interesting aspect of DJ Turner II’s family background is its longstanding friendship with the family of Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy.
According to a Cincinnati Bengals feature published in August 2023, DJ’s father, JuanDrago Turner, grew up near Murphy’s mother, Breyone Murphy, in Decatur, Georgia.
The two families maintained their friendship for decades, attending important celebrations and remaining connected as their children grew older.
JuanDrago explained that the families had known each other for approximately 49 years by the time DJ and Murphy entered the NFL.
Because the Murphy family lived in nearby Marietta, Georgia, the two future NFL players sometimes attended each other’s birthday celebrations during childhood.
Although DJ eventually attended Michigan and Murphy played college football at Clemson, their families continued following both players’ careers.
The connection became particularly remarkable during the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Myles Murphy with the 28th overall pick in the first round before choosing DJ Turner II with the 60th overall selection in the second round.
The draft brought two longtime family friends together on the same NFL team.
JuanDrago described the situation as extraordinary because the families had maintained their friendship long before either player became a professional athlete.
However, there is no verified public information establishing that DJ Turner II and Myles Murphy are biological relatives. Their connection is a longstanding family friendship.
DJ Turner II’s Family Background and Upbringing
DJ Turner II grew up in Suwanee, Georgia, where he developed a strong interest in football from early childhood.
His father’s background in college football and his mother’s emphasis on education helped create an environment that encouraged both academic and athletic achievement.
Turner attended North Gwinnett High School, where he emerged as a promising cornerback.
He helped North Gwinnett win the Georgia Class AAAAAAA state championship in 2017, contributing to a team that finished with a 14-1 record.
During his junior season, Turner recorded 78 tackles, eight tackles for loss, nine passes defended and two interceptions.
His performances attracted attention from college football programs across the country.
Before his senior season, he transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he continued developing his defensive skills.
At IMG Academy, he recorded 17 tackles, three tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
One of his interceptions was returned 100 yards for a touchdown.
Turner eventually committed to the University of Michigan, where he played from 2019 through 2022.
After initially contributing primarily on special teams, he became a regular defensive starter in 2021.
During his college career, he earned All-Big Ten recognition and established himself as one of Michigan’s leading defensive backs.
At the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Turner completed the 40-yard dash in 4.26 seconds, recording the fastest time among participants that year.
His combination of speed, athletic ability and defensive technique helped him become a second-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected him with the 60th overall pick.
Turner subsequently developed into an important member of Cincinnati’s secondary, producing a breakout season in 2025.
Throughout his progression from youth football to the NFL, Turner has credited his parents and sister with supporting his ambitions and helping him overcome challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About DJ Turner II’s Family
Who is DJ Turner II’s girlfriend?
As of now, DJ Turner II has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains private.
Is DJ Turner II married?
There is no sufficiently verified public information confirming that the Cincinnati Bengals cornerback is married.
Does DJ Turner II have children?
There is no verified public information establishing that DJ Turner II has children.
Who is DJ Turner II’s father?
His father is JuanDrago Turner, a former Livingston University wide receiver who later pursued a career in software sales.
Who is DJ Turner II’s mother?
His mother is Donyale Turner, who helped raise him in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and has supported his football career from childhood through the NFL.
Does DJ Turner II have siblings?
Yes. DJ Turner II has a sister who has been acknowledged in official interviews and his own public statements. Her name has not been reliably established.
Does DJ Turner II have a brother?
Reliable public reporting has not confirmed that DJ Turner II has a biological brother.
What is DJ Turner II’s real name?
His full name is JuanDrago Turner II. He was named after his father, JuanDrago Turner.
Is DJ Turner II related to Myles Murphy?
No biological relationship has been established. Their families have been close friends for decades, and both players were selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Where is DJ Turner II’s family from?
The Turner family has longstanding connections to the Atlanta metropolitan area in Georgia. DJ grew up in Suwanee, while his father grew up in Decatur.
Did DJ Turner II’s father play football?
Yes. JuanDrago Turner played college football as a wide receiver at Livingston University, now the University of West Alabama.
Which NFL team does DJ Turner II play for?
As of now, DJ Turner II plays cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
