FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Free agent running back Michael Turner agreed to join the Atlanta Falcons Sunday afternoon creating buzz across the football world. Find out what writers, coaches, general managers and fans have to say about the move and Turner's ability.
Thomas Dimitroff
Falcons General Manager
“We are pleased to be able to add a very talented running back and a player who has produced at a high level in this league when given the opportunity. We think he’s ready to take the next step and have a more prominent role in an offense and we are happy he decided that opportunity is going to be here in Atlanta.”
Mike Smith
Falcons Head Coach
“Besides being a quality football player, Michael Turner is a quality person. He is the type of player we are looking for to help build our football team. I’m excited that he is joining the Atlanta Falcons.”
A.J. Smith
Chargers General Manager
“Michael Turner's a great player who happened to pass through the Chargers, helped us win, and it's time... We all know it's his turn." (San Diego Union-Tribune)
thebeatSD
Falcons Message Boards
"He is definitely a class act, low key guy, but played with tough, smash-mouth style running." (Atlanta Falcons Message Boards)
Phil Barber
The Sporting News
"...Turner might not be (LaDanian Tomlinson), but he's better than many of the halfbacks who started around the league last year. And he's about to become an instant workhorse for some backfield-deprived team." (The Sporting News)
Joe Novak
Former Northern Illinois Head Coach
"You could yell at Mike, and I did at times... And then you could go up and pat him on the back and hug him, and he'd have the same expression both times. He just loved to play." (The Sporting News)
Homey The Clown
Falcons Message Boards
"Check out his runs against the tough Pats (defense) during the playoffs this year at the end (video)." (Atlanta Falcons Message Boards)
Jay Posner
San Diego Union-Tribune
"While Turner's nickname 'Burner' is logical, given his name, speed is not the most impressive part of his game. It's not that he's slow by any means -- witness his 83-yard TD run to seal the Chargers' win over the then-unbeaten Colts in 2005 -- but he's more of a power runner who would just as soon run over a defender than around him. It isn't often that the first defensive player to hit Turner winds up tackling him." (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
MORE ON TURNER AND FREE AGENCY:
- YOUTUBE: Video highlights of Michael Turner
- AJC.COM: More opinions on running bakc Michael Turner
- NEWS: Falcons agree to terms with Coleman | Hutchins | Hartsock | Turner
- FREE AGENCY HOME: More information on the Falcons 2008 free agents
- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: More on free agency in this FAQ
- NEWS: Free agent signing period underway
- NFL.COM: Free agency news from NFL.com
