History of “The Turk” Machine

The Arizona Cardinals, like all NFL teams, must reduce their training camp roster from 90 to 53 players by August 30, leading to many cuts orchestrated by an assistant coach known as “The Turk.” This term, coined by former Rams linebacker Don Paul in 1949, refers to the practice of making cuts at night to spare players from witnessing their teammates’ departures. Historically, the NFL has expanded its presence through preseason games in cities without teams, a strategy that has evolved to focus on international venues today. The tradition of “The Turk” highlights the pressures players face during training camps, reminiscent of the historical context of player recruitment and team dynamics.

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