Defensive lineman Shemar Turner, the No. 62 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, talks with ChicagoBears.com about his love for fishing, the artists on his pregame playlist, his excitement to team up with veteran Grady Jarrett and more.
What's the first thing you think of when you hear Chicago?
"Windy City," just because that's all I've been hearing. Growing up watching the Bears and the Bulls, it was the Windy City.
Were you a Bears or Bulls fan growing up?
Well before my time, there was a man named Michael Jordan. And of course, Scottie Pippen, all them. I love those guys. I didn't watch basketball that much, but if I was to rewatch hoops, I'm watching MJ, I'm watching Scottie.
What are you looking forward to doing or seeing in Chicago?
Really just new scenery for me. I haven't lived anywhere outside of Texas, haven't really been anywhere outside of Texas, so the scenery, the city, the food, everything. I just want to see what it's all got.
What can the fans give you recommendations for?
We can go food spots, we can go fishing holes. I need all the famous fishing spots. I like to eat and I like to fish and little get-together spots — somewhere you can go sit, eat, hang out and chill.
How did you learn to fish?
My grandad on my father's side. Papa Turner — he was the first person to ever take me fishing. We started with crappie and bluegill, so it was just putting your little worm on there with the bobber, throwing it in, waiting for your bobber to go under. After my grandad, my uncle took me a few times. Him and the men of our church, we would go on fishing days.
What's the biggest fish you've ever caught?
Probably a 4-pound bass. Not too crazy, but it was fun.
Besides fishing, what's a hidden talent you have?
I wouldn't call it a super talent, but I can cook. I can actually cook a little bit. Salmon pasta is my favorite and I make my own white sauce and everything.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I'd probably say my mom to be honest. Growing up and watching her work as hard as she did with as little help she had, just seeing her be able to push through things on her own, that inspired me a lot.
You're a Texas native – what's your first impression in the midwest?
Other than cold weather, it's chill. Everybody I've met that's from the midwest or went to school in the midwest, all my Wisconsin boys, they're cool people. Good people. I feel like everyone is genuine here. The midwest is pretty smooth.
How would you describe your personality?
Goofy. I'm not too serious. I'm a chill guy after goofy.
Who were your sports idols growing up?
Ray Lewis, that was my dawg. Big Ray. Really just him because once I found my one dude, I was good.
Who are you most excited to team up with in Chicago?
Grady Jarrett. My junior year is when I probably watched the most NFL ball, and when I was watching, it was him.
Who is on your pregame playlist?
We got Zillionare Doe, Montana 700, HeadHuncho Amir — these are Dallas cats. Then it's Lil Double 0 when you're close to the game and it's time to speed everything up and get ready.
What are your gameday fits going to look like?
Oh we don't have to wear suits do we? I'm not gonna lie, I might pull up chillin'. Lululemon, joggers, some of that. I might come fitted a few times. I've gotta come steppin' hard a few times.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I've always wanted to be an NFL player. No matter how many times people asked me, "you've got an option two? You've got a plan B?" it's always been football for me.
