Trump Appoints Scott Turner to Lead HUD: 5 Facts About the Ex-NFL Star

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Scott Turner as the next Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The former NFL player and Texas lawmaker is Trump's first African American cabinet pick for his upcoming administration. In Turner's career, he focused on economic revitalization and affordable housing.

Turner, 51, is no stranger to high-profile roles. His journey spans professional sports, state politics, and federal initiatives to uplift distressed communities.

Here’s what you need to know about the man poised to shape America’s housing policies:

1. A Texas Native with Deep Community Ties

Turner as born and raised in Richardson, Texas. Turner speaks about the strong values instilled in him during his upbringing, which have shaped his dedication to leadership and community development.

2. NFL Career

Turner spent nine seasons in the NFL as a cornerback for teams including the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Turner entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick in 1995. Before entering into the NFL, Turner attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he played college football as a cornerback for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

3. A Political Leader in the Texas House of Representatives

Scott Turner served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, representing District 33. During his tenure, Turner focused on fiscal responsibility, education reform, and fostering economic growth. He championed legislation that supported small businesses and promoted transparency in government operations. He also prioritized issues like public safety and access to quality education, earning a reputation as a principled and approachable leader.

4. A Passion for Community Development

Throughout his career, Turner has been a vocal advocate for community revitalization. His initiatives often focused on affordable housing, job creation, and education as tools to transform economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

5. Leader of the Opportunity Zones Initiative

Turner’s recent role as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council saw him spearheading efforts to attract investment in Opportunity Zones—economically distressed communities designated for tax incentives to promote development. His leadership helped bring billions of dollars in private investment to underserved areas, revitalizing local economies.