THE NEXT LEVEL - Vernon Turner
Written in 2011
The BUCPOWER.COM review
Vernon Turner may have only played 13 games for the Buccaneers but his place in franchise
history is secure. For after 19 seasons of futility, he was the man who first returned a punt for a
touchdown on October 2, 1994. And the first is always the most memorable.
VT as he is known, journeyed around several teams in the NFL as a return specialist, bouncing
off practice squads and always trying to make a name for himself. This is his story, one of a
difficult childhood on Staten Island, trying to become successful as an under-sized back albeit
one with a tremendous heart. He had to deal with many family issues throughout his life but he
made his dream come true and played in the NFL.
For Buccaneer fans, the two chapters on his time in Tampa will be the most relevant but this is a
thoughtful and interesting read throughout. And one well deserving of a place on any true Buc
fans’ bookshelf.
The official trailer
is the autobiography of the 'Improbable' journey of Vernon Turner. "When people look at me and
my life from the outside, they say man, VT has it all; this guy actually lived the American dream.
When people look at me, they see me smiling almost all the time, always with a positive attitude, always with a glass half-full' outlook on
everything. But what people don't see is the bad dreams... and broken heart I still have to this day due to my past!" "
No one will ever understand the pain and regret I have inside due to my past... things that will haunt me until the day I die! Yeah, that ole
cliché is so true: "The grass is not always greener on the other side".
This true story is about a little boy who lived an adult life from age eight; a little boy who endured insurmountable events that haunts him to
this day! This ‘Improbable’ little boy turned to the game of football to escape his world…. When the unthinkable happens… this ‘Improbable’
little boy HAD to turn to the game he fell in love with (at age ten) to save his family! "
I truly hope that my book connects with each and every one of you in an inspiring way. Looking back now, I can truly say that I lived an
amazing life; it's the kind of life story that needs to be shared! If my story can help one person, then writing, 'The Next Level: A Game I Had
To Play!' was worth it!"