Nicolas "Cole" Turner (born March 16, 2000) is an American professional football tight end for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack as a wide receiver before switching to tight end his senior season. Turner was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
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Early life
Turner was born on March 16, 2000, in Clackamas, Oregon. He attended Clackamas High School, where he was a two-sport athlete in football and basketball. He helped lead his football team to three consecutive conference titles and a state championship in 2017. He led the state of Oregon in receiving as a senior in 2017 with 76 receptions for 1,325 yards and 20 touchdowns, earning him all-state honors.
College career
Turner enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2018 and appeared in 12 games as a freshman for the Nevada Wolf Pack football team as a wide receiver. He transitioned to tight end as a sophomore in 2020, where he was given first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors after recording nine touchdown catches and finishing second on the team in catches (49) and receiving yards (605) behind Romeo Doubs. As a senior in 2021, he was named to the All-Mountain West second-team after making 10 touchdown catches, which was tied for second in the nation among tight ends behind Georgia's Brock Bowers. He played in the 2022 Senior Bowl.
Professional career
Washington Commanders
Turner was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft and signed his four-year rookie contract on May 6, 2022.
On August 27, 2024, Turner was waived by the Commanders as part of final roster cuts and joined their practice squad the following day. On January 28, 2025, Turner signed a reserve/future contract with the Commanders.
On August 26, 2025, Turner was waived by the Commanders as part of final roster cuts.
Tennessee Titans
On December 9, 2025, Turner signed with the Tennessee Titans' practice squad. He made one appearance for the Titans, logging two special teams snaps in a 7–41 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18.
Miami Dolphins
On January 9, 2026, Turner signed a reserve/futures contract with the Miami Dolphins. He was waived/injured on August 26 and was placed on injured reserve the next day after going unclaimed.
Personal life
Turner's given name is Nicolas but has preferred going by Cole since childhood. His father Kelly Turner played tight end for Purdue from 1987 to 1990.