Michael Turner finally admitting the obvious: He was fat
A slimmer Michael Turner helps Matt Ryan (Curtis Compton/AJC).
Michael Turner has been just like one of us when it comes to weight gain. He denies it.
He denied throughout last season that he was a step slower — before his ankle injury — because he was out of shape. Coaches and team officials stayed mum on the subject. His fans thought the media (like me) was being too hard on him. Then this offseason, Turner started to concede there might have been a problem. In a Q-and-A with our Darryl Ledbetter, he said: “I’m still the same [weight], it just looks different. I just moved it around a little bit to all the right places.”
Yes, moved it around. Who among us haven’t been trying to “move around” 10 pounds for years? Does insurance cover “move it around” surgery?
But here’s the good news: The more interviews Turner does, the closer he comes to actually saying, “I was a porkpie.”
He just flogged himself, relatively speaking, in a story with SI.com’s Jim Trotter. The meat of the story (so to speak):
“If you go back and look at some pictures of me from last year at this time, I probably looked big — a lot bigger than normal. I was heavy, too heavy. It was hard for me to overcome.”
Turner didn’t need the photos to know he was well past the 250 pounds that appeared next to his name on the roster. He knew things had changed when he struggled to pull his practice jersey over his midsection. It wasn’t as bad as a woman falling on her back and wiggling her way into a pair of jeans that are two sizes too small, but it was close.
The extra weight wasn’t the primary reason Turner ran for only 871 yards last season — a high ankle sprain was the leading culprit. It sidelined him for five games and parts of two others. Still Turner believes the added weight didn’t help him, which is why he reported for offseason workouts this year at a legitimate 250.
I’ve been high on the Falcons going into next season, Turner is the biggest reason why, even more than the improved defense and the expected bounce-back year by quarterback Matt Ryan. Remember, two years ago, when Turner finished second in the league in rushing with 1,699 yards and the Falcons went 11-5, Ryan was a rookie and the defense was a wreck.
A running game helps everybody.
In this case, so does confession.
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97 comments Add your comment
rekingball
June 23rd, 2010
1:02 pm
Maybe all of the teams that the Falcons played at the beginning of the season employing the 3-4 defense, could have caused Turner to ‘lose a step’.
Laughing at X's and O's
June 23rd, 2010
1:04 pm
Player and coach? Where? Rambling State?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
June 23rd, 2010
1:05 pm
Hey JSS,
How is everything going?
I see the delusional people can’t seem to understand your logics but I understand what you saying.
rekingball
June 23rd, 2010
1:06 pm
All I’m Saying………..could be that having a banged up line that could not keep the pass rush out of the Falcons backfield long enough for a play to develop was one of the reason Ryan ’struggled’
rekingball
June 23rd, 2010
1:07 pm
I also expect Ryan and the Falcons to have a great yr.
Go Falcons!
Reid Adair
June 23rd, 2010
1:11 pm
Did Michael Turner have some sort of surgery to assist with losing/”moving around” his extra weight?
Dr. Warren
June 23rd, 2010
1:12 pm
@Terrell–
I hear you, and I find your view to be kind and sensitive but also immature and entitled-sounding. I’m not a pro athlete, but I don’t think I need to be one to understand the meaning of doing one’s best at work, or following through on a contractual commitment to perform at my best. I’ve lived in China for four years now, and I know many educated people who bust their butts from literally 7AM to 10PM every day, often seven days a week, and make less than $200 a month. In fact, that’s the norm. And they take great pride in their work and in their co-workers. I’m sure you’ve read about this country’s meteoric rise? Now you know the reason for it. Terrell, I don’t feel sorry for men making $30 million to play a game, and I don’t think they need apologists, frankly, particularly in this economy. I’m a university professor. If I drank too much beer before the 2009 fall semester and didn’t stay sharp intellectually and didn’t prepare for my classes and didn’t publish articles, I’d feel very bad since I didn’t perform to the level that I expect, my colleagues expect, and my university expects. Sure, I like to relax, and no one is perfect, but I’m not a kid anymore and when it comes to work, I am dead serious about fulfilling my obligation and mission. Maybe Turner doesn’t feel the same way–and if that is true, he should retire. Truth is, if the American university that employs me only paid me $30 a year, I’d still put out my very best effort because I love what I do. It’s a privilege. Give up Dove bars and Funyons to continue to excel at what I do? Pleeeaze. In a heartbeat. And don’t go telling me being a running back is a harder job–it’s all relative, my friend.
Anton Chigurh
June 23rd, 2010
1:14 pm
Well, the Marlins have freed up Bobby Cox’s successor. That worked out pretty well.
truth
June 23rd, 2010
1:17 pm
Someone please compare the first 10 games Turner played in, in 2008 and 2009 and show mw how he “lost” a step. I would but I’m at work and can’t pull the stats. Thanks.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
June 23rd, 2010
1:18 pm
The Matty Ice Song……………….
“ONE OF US”
We don’t care if on June 6th, you lost the crowd
Even if the chants of a former, were heard quite loud.
You are one of us, so forget the fuss
Results mean nothing, you are one of us.
Oh Matty Ice, you are one of us
That’s all that matters, cause you are one of us.
Playoffs are overrated, just keep looking good
Its cool dude, you aint from the hood.
Sophomore jinx, oh what’s the big fuss
Forget about it, you are one of us
One of us, one of us, one of us.
Bartkowski you are not, but you look the same
Even if we lose, we will support your game.
The good ole days, you take me down memory lane.
45 years of losing, but that’s okay
Cause you are one of us, the good ole boy way.
Hollywould
June 23rd, 2010
1:22 pm
Stat boy/ at least your boy was #1 again in most hated. Saw your race card on PFT even though 2 white guys were in the top 3. Don’t let stats get in the way.
ATL Fan
June 23rd, 2010
1:23 pm
Does this mean that Matt Ryan will be handing the ball off to “Fat-Burner” Turner?
Eric C.
June 23rd, 2010
1:47 pm
Great commentary Jeff…nothing helps a defense better than a good running game. Turner’s better shape could lead to a couple of more wins this year.
cdog
June 23rd, 2010
1:55 pm
WE KNOW THAT MICHAEL TURNER.WE SAW THAT OBVIOUSLY. THATS WHY THE FALCONS SHOULD HAVE RUNNINGBACK DEPTH IN CASE THE SAME THING HAPPENS THIS YEAR.ALSO, WE DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE NEW ORLEAN SAINTS ANY MORE, THEY’VE HAD THEIR KATRINA GIFT FROM THE LEAGUE THIS PAST SEASON.THEY WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL NOW, LOSING AGAIN
Willy
June 23rd, 2010
1:57 pm
I DIDN’T RECOGNIZE THE GUY! He almost reminds me of Warrick Dunn.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
June 23rd, 2010
1:58 pm
ATL Fan
June 23rd, 2010
1:23 pm
Does this mean that Matt Ryan will be handing the ball off to “Fat-Burner” Turner?
———————————————-
It requires an “elite” qb to handle that major task – it can wear out the arm…………..
HA HA HA
JJB
June 23rd, 2010
2:01 pm
Does anyone actually read “Matt Choke Ryan”’s prose? I see it and move the wheel on down to the next one
rekingball
June 23rd, 2010
2:09 pm
Matt Choke Ryan@1:05pm……..and his buddy, in a league of their own.
JJB@2:01…..ever hear of ignore it and it will go away. Well, it doesn’t work with that member of the insane clown possee. The only relief you can get, is when the law has it, incarcerated.
rekingball
June 23rd, 2010
2:10 pm
I spin the wheel also.
rekingball
June 23rd, 2010
2:12 pm
I hope I wasn’t too harsh, but I couldn’t resist it.
I hope I don’t get turned in by the Blog Police.
JSS
June 23rd, 2010
2:34 pm
@ Terrell…
From Randy Johnson, Bob Berry, Bob Lee, Scott Hunter, Kim McQuilken, Steve Bartkowski, Chris Miller, Bobby Hebert, Billy Joe Tolliver, Jeff George, Chris Chandler, Chris Redman, and even Michael Vick were never given as much of a protection cocoon (mass protection blocking schemes, lack of long vertical routes, and pure reliance on power running scheme) as has Matt Ryan. When a depleted Tampa Bay Bucs defensive team can intercept you twice in the final game of the year. When a team has to scrape its screen game in order to provide you max protection and you still can not see the free safety or the rover slipping underneath the receiver by now? They aren’t running Monte Kiffin out there anymore, it was Raheem Morris! You don’t hear the Saints or Carolina making excuses for their poor play against the Bucs. Carolina is getting a new QB and the Saints spent a huge part of the off season addressing their “Tampa Bay problem.” However, Atlanta has a excuse for everything (injuries, lack of blocking, pass coverage). It is well documented that the Saints had more significant injuries over the whole year than we did! They lost their entire cornerback core! You people always scream about accountability, it is a two way street. Prove me wrong, then I’ll stop questioning his accoutrement on the field. We attempted 40 more passes than our opponents, and were still outgained by 300 yards in the air! We only outrushed them by 165. You can blame the D all you want, this team has to run, run, run!
Gt4ever
June 23rd, 2010
2:46 pm
Matt “choke” Ryan is a TOTAL IDIOT! He has got to be a UGA fan!
JSS
June 23rd, 2010
2:48 pm
@ MCR…
Thanks for the greeting, my Mother had her eye rebuilt on Monday morning so I’m home in GA taking care of her for the next three weeks. She has to stay still and immobile, so I get to blog some while she rests…
Now for a little house keeping matter with another blogger who keeps acting like a pesky bug…
@ Rekingball… I addressed your little petty sniping at 9:01PM on the 20th (more than 3 days ago)
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/06/17/poll-time-which-atlanta-team-is-closest-to-a-title/comment-page-3/
@ Rekingball…
There was nothing undercover about what I and others did concerning that silliness of the 16th and 17th. Each person bears a responsibility for what they do here, this is not an anonymous environment, just anonymous user names. A better statement may have been: “Be careful who YOU hitch your wagon to, they may just carry you over the cliff too…”
falcon fan
June 23rd, 2010
5:24 pm
Hey “choke” I heard Matt Ryan and Freddy Falcon are gonna come out and do doughnuts in the General Lee on the 50 yard line during the “good `ole boys” half time show at friday night lights this year. I would`nt miss it for the world! Yee Haw!!!!
Fredi Gonzalez fired -- Braves shouldn't waste time hiring him | Jeff Schultz
June 23rd, 2010
5:45 pm
[...] ♦ Michael Turner finally admitting the obvious: He was fat [...]
Matt "Choke" Ryan
June 24th, 2010
11:19 am
Now that’s funny.
Dudley gives Thrashers a needed jolt in short amount of time | Jeff Schultz
June 24th, 2010
4:38 pm
[...] ♦ Michael Turner finally admitting the obvious: He was fat [...]
Paulitik
June 24th, 2010
7:05 pm
Hey Schultz,
While I appreciate any Falcons coverage we can get. Could you maybe, just maybe write an article that isn’t based on some other writer’s article on our team? It seems like all of your coverage is based off other’s.
I enjoy your work, but come on!
LIVE DRAFT BLOG: Hawks have a few hours to wait (UPDATE: Hawks will get Jordan Crawford in trade) | Jeff Schultz
June 24th, 2010
10:11 pm
[...] ♦ Michael Turner finally admitting the obvious: He was fat [...]
Drew finally speaks to Joe Johnson, and he wants him back | Jeff Schultz
June 25th, 2010
11:04 am
[...] ♦ Michael Turner finally admitting the obvious: He was fat [...]
BurningRedBleedingBlack
June 25th, 2010
12:43 pm
Turner gonna be fit and ready to go at the weight hes at now. Guys got some pop in him. I think the injury and weight was the reason for the off season. He’ll be ready to go come kickoff season.
BurningRedBleedingBlack
June 25th, 2010
12:46 pm
To all the Tech Falcon fans…Im a UGA fan, but i’m also a huge FALCON fan. Just because the falcons are in Atlanta doesn’t mean Uga fans can’t like them. Grow up and lets leave college stuff on the college pages. GO FALCONS!!!!!
PreyDawg
June 25th, 2010
1:50 pm
Hey Burning, dont let em get ya down. We dont need em to leave it on the college page. We can take em on both places.
Does anybody remember about a two game stretch around mid season (my memory is failing me as to which games it was). But Turner came back after missing some time and was absolutely dominant. If I remember correctly, he was averaging 7 yards per carry in the game where he sprained his ankle. I know I am right about the yards per carry but I cant remember which game it was. But for two games there before he got hurt he was actually more dominant than the year before.
If he can come close to that now that he is in shape….WOW!!
Hey Matt Choke Ryan
June 25th, 2010
5:13 pm
Can still see you are pissed off because Matt Ryan who is 20-11 as the QB for the Falcons is now playing well instead of Vick the dunb ass who is a convicted felon,GET OVER IT. VICK IS A LOSER VICK IS A LOSER HA HA HA HA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VICK IS A LOSER
June 25th, 2010
10:10 pm
Mike Vick is a pot smoking thug who is a hood rat that loves to kill dogs!!!! LOSER7
Vick 'n trouble again
June 26th, 2010
7:13 am
JSS,
Last I heard from Mike Smith, this team was going to be a running team. This team’s game was to be built off of the running game. So OF COURSE we have to run. Wasn’t that the gameplan all along? I don’t understand the hate for Matt Ryan. Young QBs make mistakes. And this team also didn’t defend well. Yes, Turner was and is a huge part of this team. But he was overweight and injured last year, which hurt us.
Why are we talking about what a QB did, when this team’s gameplan AS STATED BY Mike SMITH from the beginning, was to be a running team?
Anyway, I ain’t even going to address your homeboy “Choke” over there. We all have known what his problem is for a long time now.
Vick 'n trouble again
June 26th, 2010
7:15 am
“You can blame the D all you want, this team has to run, run, run!”
I guess that means the Falcons need not play defense. Hilarious. You know NOTHING about football.
ATL Observer
June 29th, 2010
4:17 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan needs some therapy to get over his obsession (no one said Ryan was the next Peyton Manning so why hold him to that standard?) but I completely agree with his original point: as Turner goes, this team will go. If he’s healthy, I think the Falcons win the division. If not, the team will be 8-8 and no more.
oldesrfalconfanever
July 10th, 2010
7:12 pm
like I said DJ just could not beat out B.Finn.
oldesrfalconfanever
July 10th, 2010
7:15 pm
OK what can falcons get for J.ANDERSON
joe suggs
July 13th, 2010
4:11 pm
Who cares ? Professional sports makes thugs into millionares. You clowns put these idiots up on pedestals. They run up and down grass fields and make millions . What a screwed up country .
Sean Limbaugh
July 16th, 2010
2:22 am
I don’t fight dogs but i hunt defenseless animals. does that make me a murdering killer too?
Vick Supporter
July 17th, 2010
6:11 pm
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned
Punk style AT QB #2
July 18th, 2010
2:07 pm
Fat or not with out Turner at 100% the falcons fall apart The (leader). 45 million worth of pay out to a fear of foot step at QB . Turner is not a punk but #2 punk is what punk do 100% fearful punk! his shoulder is a big as a dime(weak arm weak heart!
Furman Bisher
July 23rd, 2010
3:13 am
Ok, so now is it time for Schultz to admit he’s a subpar writer?
Where’s my bedpan, I got a real steamer brewing!!!!
MV777##1
July 26th, 2010
7:14 pm
The NFL has completed its investigation into the shooting at Michael Vick’s birthday party last month in Virginia Beach and he has been cleared to play, a league spokesman told the Daily News today.
In an email, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said, “there is no change in his playing status.”
AJC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! REPORT THE GOOD NEWS SOMETIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blank says Falcons are playoff team again (and maybe more) | Jeff Schultz
July 29th, 2010
1:30 pm
[...] sought-after stability. Offseason additions to the defense (Dunta Robinson, Sean Weatherspoon), a slimmer running back (Michael Turner) and a quarterback (Matt Ryan) whom some believe will make the often-seen jump in year three says [...]