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Despite being a two-time All-Pro selection during his decade as a lineman in the National Football League, Provo native Kyle Turley is remembered by many for a 2001 incident at the Louisiana Superdome.Late in the game, Turley's quarterback, Aaron Brooks, was tackled by Jets defender Damien Robinson, who grabbed Brooks' facemask and started to bend him backward. Enraged, Turley attempted to rescue his teammate, grabbing Robinson by the facemask and throwing him to the ground. After the vicious tackle, the long-haired Turley emerged with Robinson's helmet and flung it across the field. He flashed an obscene gesture before leaving the field and ended up being ejected and fined $25,000.That kind of passion has led to a fruitful second career for Turley, who retired after the 2007 season. He now is a country singer-songwriter, with his third album, "Skullshaker," scheduled to be released this fall.He has never forgotten where he came from. As a way to pay back the Utah community where he grew up, Turley will headline a benefit concert with proceeds earmarked for the South Salt Lake Police Athletic League.Turley, who spent the first six years of life in Utah, said his father is a retired police officer, so he's always had a respect for law enforcement."When they pull you over, it's not out of malicious intent," said the 36-year-old singer.Since retiring from the NFL, Turley has donated all his profits to charitable organizations. So when South Salt Lake Police Athletic League leader and officer Jerry Silva contacted Turley about the benefit, the cause was a good fit, said South Salt Lake P.A.L. President Kari Cutler.The organization's goal is promote trust between police officers and young people, and provide positive role models, Cutler said. One of the major programs that the 171 kids on the rolls participate in is boxing at the P.A.L. Pete Suazo Boxing Center in South Salt Lake.The P.A.L. budget is "teeny." Proceeds from the concert will be used for boxing equipment and gloves, and to help traveling costs for competitors in out-of-state tournaments. "These are kids who have never taken a road trip and who have never been on a airplane," Cutler said.Between five and 10 officers in the South Salt Lake police department regularly interact with the youth in the program, said Chief Chris Snyder. "There are lots of kids who have been on the line, whether it is grades or citizenship, and they've made complete turnarounds," he said. "Our No. 1 goal is to provide opportunities."There's a good chance that a few of the 62 sworn officers of the department will be on hand for the Turley concert, but don't worry about being on your best behavior because you'll be surrounded by cops. Like you, they want to have fun."I'm going to have a beer in my hand, too," Snyder said.
South Salt Lake Police Athletic League benefit concertKyle Turley, NFL veteran turned outlaw country singer, performs with United Soles and Tony Holiday & The Velvetones.When • Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.Where • Fat's Grill, 2182 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake CityTickets • $15 at door