Former Broncos kicker, Ring of Fame inductee was 82

Former Broncos kicker and Ring of Fame inductee Jim Turner died Saturday, his family and the franchise confirmed Monday afternoon.

Turner, a Martinez, Calif., native and longtime Denver resident, was 82 years old.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Denver Broncos Ring of Fame kicker Jim Turner,” the team said in a statement. “Retiring as the second-leading scorer in NFL history, Jim was instrumental in helping establish the Broncos’ winning tradition in the 1970s as a key member of our first Super Bowl team. While his competitive spirit and reliability defined him as a player, Jim’s dedicated mentorship and support of youth following his career will leave a lasting legacy within our community.

“Our hearts go out to Jim’s wife, Mary Kay; daughters Lisa, Chris and Alison’ and the entire Turner family.”

A 19th-round draft pick in 1963, Turner began his professional career with the New York Jets. Among his highlights there, Turner made field goals of 32, 30 and nine yards in Super Bowl III to help New York beat the Baltimore Colts, 16-7.

“It tickled me to be put under the gun,” Turner told the Broncos’ team website in 2017. “It always has, and that’s the only thing I miss.”

After his time in New York, Turner established himself as one of the best kickers in Broncos franchise history.

Over nine seasons with the club from 1971 through 1979, Turner appeared in 130 consecutive games and scored 742 points. That was most in Broncos history until Jason Elam surpassed the mark in 1999.