Former Eagles fullback Kevin Turner passes away after battling ALS

Former Patriots fullback Kevin Turner, 46, died on Thursday after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He played with the Patriots from 1992 to 1994, then finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing from 1995 to 1999.

In 2010, Turner was diagnosed with ALS and started the Kevin Turner Foundation to raise awareness and funds for ALS research.

Say a prayer for his family and friends! He will be missed so much. “Thanks to everyone so mych for your support and prayers during this journey. Love y’all, and thanks God Bless”.

Former quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Drew Bledsoe, who both played with Turner, and other ex-teammates voiced their sympathy on Twitter.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson and running backs coach Duce Staley were teammates of Turner’s in Philadelphia and also shared their condolences in official statements.

“Football had something to do with it”, Turner said in 2011.

He said he was sure football contributed to his condition and became a lead plaintiff in the massive lawsuit retired players filed against the NFL regarding concussions.

“We lost a special person today in Kevin Turner”, said Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie in a statement.

Filmmaker Jon Frankel worked with Turner in 2012 on a documentary titled American Man, which chronicled the athlete’s life and his battle with ALS. He is survived by wife, Allison, and their three children (Nolan, 18; Natalie, 15; and Cole, 12) as well as his parents, Raymond and Myra.