Michael Turner (American football)
The 'Burner' exploded in Atlanta, transforming from a backup into a powerhouse running back who twice led the NFL in rushing touchdowns.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American football player·Birthday: February 13·Millennials
Biography
Michael Turner spent his early NFL years in the shadow of a star, serving as the potent but underused backup to LaDainian Tomlinson with the San Diego Chargers. When he hit free agency in 2008, the Atlanta Falcons bet $34 million on his potential, and Turner delivered immediately. He burst onto the scene as a Falcon, earning the nickname 'The Burner' for his surprising breakaway speed housed in a compact, powerful frame. In his first season in Atlanta, he led the NFC in rushing, made the Pro Bowl, and anchored the team's offense. For several years, he was one of the league's most consistent and punishing ball carriers, a workhorse who defined the Falcons' ground game during their rise to contention.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Michael was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2008, leading the NFC.
- Earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2008 and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice (2008, 2010).
- Led the entire NFL in rushing touchdowns in both the 2008 and 2011 seasons.
- Finished his career with over 7,000 rushing yards and 66 total touchdowns.
Did You Know?
In college at Northern Illinois, he broke the NCAA record for most 100-yard rushing games in a career.
He was drafted in the fifth round, the 154th overall pick, in the 2004 NFL Draft.
He famously wore jersey number 33 in honor of his favorite running back, former Falcon Jamal Anderson.
“They called me The Burner because I hit the hole and go.”
