‘You are enough’

NFL star Kobie Turner, ’22, returned to campus in May to give the commencement address for 2026 graduates. One of his goals was to “inspire the next generation” of Spiders, he said. Here are some of his remarks. Video of his full address is below.

Who you have in your corner matters. You are the company you keep, so surround yourselves with people who challenge you to be the best version of yourself, in all areas of your life. Surround yourselves with people who truly care about you and want to see you accomplish your goals. Surround yourselves with people who’ve earned your trust and respect. We are not meant to do life alone, but choose your company wisely.

The teammates in my position group with the Rams are a tight-knit group. We know each other’s stories — how we overcame adversity. Through our shared mindsets and hard work, we’ve gained each other’s trust and respect.

One of our most important jobs on game day is sacking the quarterback on third down to prevent the opposing team from scoring points or continuing their possession. When that moment shows up, in our huddle we’ll say to each other, “Meet me there or beat me there.” In our minds, there are only two options: We get there together, or somebody leads the way. Either way, everyone is elevated. One person’s success is everyone’s success.

As you bring people into your inner circle, consider whether you want them with you when adversity hits. When you’re in the trenches, who among you is trustworthy and reliable? Who can steady you through the ups and downs? Who will celebrate you and help you to celebrate yourself in the way that you deserve to be celebrated?

To attract the type of inner circle that elevates you, you must be someone who empowers others and inspires positive change. You must be someone that people want in their corner when adversity hits, someone who will stay steady and celebrate others the way they deserve.

As you push forward toward your goals with your inner circle, be receptive to things said and unsaid, and take every opportunity you can to learn something new. ...

Lastly, always remember that you are enough. There is only one you in this world. And the world needs you as you already are.

Your occupation doesn’t define you. You are so much more than that. When you enter the workforce, stay rooted in the fact that you are more than what your title says.

When you stay true to who you are, opportunities surface that you never knew were possible.

There will be people who try to fit you into a box or try to discourage you from reaching heights that they themselves were too scared to reach. Authenticity is becoming scarce in this world. We live in a day and age where everybody is comparing themselves to each other and trying to be someone they’re not. It’s easy to fit the mold. It’s more comfortable. But it’s so freeing to be authentically and unapologetically yourself. The ones who stay themselves are the ones that stand out — the separators, the leaders, the ones that pave their own paths.