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David Boston
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David Byron Boston (born August 19, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL).[1] He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, earning first-team All-American honors in 1998. Selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the eighth overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft, Boston became a Pro Bowl selection with the Cardinals in 2001. He also played for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Boston was born in Humble, Texas, and played youth football in the Humble Area Football League.[2]
College career
[edit]Boston became a three-year starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes (1996–98). He set several Ohio State receiving records during that time. His 191 pass receptions as a Buckeye was a record and is now the third most in school history (Emeka Egbuka, 2024; K. J. Hill, 2019). His 2,855 career receiving yards and 1,435 single-season receiving yards were school records until surpassed by Michael Jenkins in 2003 and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2021. With 34 career touchdown receptions (and one two-point conversion), Boston averaged 5.89 points per game. Additionally, he held the school touchdown reception record until Chris Olave surpassed it in 2021.
Boston's best moment was his 5 yard touchdown catch from Joe Germaine with 19 seconds remaining in the 1997 Rose Bowl.
College statistics
[edit]| Receiving | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | GP | Rec | Yards | TDs |
| 1996 | Ohio State | 12 | 33 | 450 | 7 |
| 1997 | Ohio State | 13 | 73 | 970 | 14 |
| 1998 | Ohio State | 12 | 85 | 1,435 | 13 |
| College Totals | 37 | 191 | 2,855 | 34 | |
Source:[3]
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 1+1⁄4 in (1.86 m) |
215 lb (98 kg) |
32+1⁄4 in (0.82 m) |
8+1⁄2 in (0.22 m) |
4.32 s | 1.56 s | 2.52 s | 4.09 s | 7.20 s | 37 in (0.94 m) |
9 ft 8 in (2.95 m) | ||
| All values from NFL Combine[4] | ||||||||||||
Arizona Cardinals
[edit]Boston left Ohio State with a year of eligibility remaining, and was selected with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals.[5] In 2000, David was an alternate selection for the Pro Bowl. In 2001, Boston had 98 receptions for a league-leading 1598 yards and eight touchdowns, starting in the Pro Bowl and earning All-Pro honors.
San Diego Chargers
[edit]Boston signed a seven-year, $47 million contract ($12 million guaranteed) with the San Diego Chargers in 2003. That season, he caught 70 passes for 880 yards and seven touchdowns, though head coach Marty Schottenheimer suspended him for a game after he cursed out strength coach Dave Redding. Chargers GM A. J. Smith traded Boston to the Miami Dolphins for a sixth round draft choice.[6]
Miami Dolphins
[edit]Before the 2004 season, Boston tested positive for a minor HCG infraction and was ordered to serve a four-game suspension. The suspension became moot after he tore ligaments in his knee and was unable to play for the entire season. The Dolphins cut him at the end of the year, then proceeded to re-sign him for the veterans' minimum in 2005 for $700,000. He played in five games that year before tearing knee ligaments again.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
[edit]In 2006, Boston signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[7] He was released by the team on September 12, 2007, after being injured.
Toronto Argonauts
[edit]After spending the 2007 season out of football, Boston signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League on April 21, 2008. Boston reported to training camp but his medical report showed a stress fracture in his right foot and recommended surgery. He was placed on the suspended list, never practicing or playing in the pre-season.[8] A second doctor's opinion, however, was that it was a two-year-old injury and cleared him to play in the regular season opener on June 27, 2008, when he recorded two receptions for a total of 16 yards.[9] Following the game, however, Boston reported feeling too much pain and opted to follow the original doctor's suggestion of surgery requiring a 10 to 12 weeks rehabilitation period.[10] He never played another down of pro football.
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Fumbles | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Tgt | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 1999 | ARI | 16 | 8 | 82 | 40 | 473 | 11.8 | 43 | 2 | 21 | 1 | 0 |
| 2000 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 133 | 71 | 1,156 | 16.3 | 70 | 7 | 48 | 1 | 0 |
| 2001 | ARI | 16 | 15 | 175 | 98 | 1,598 | 16.3 | 61 | 8 | 72 | 1 | 1 |
| 2002 | ARI | 8 | 8 | 75 | 32 | 512 | 16.0 | 34 | 1 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | SD | 14 | 14 | 115 | 70 | 880 | 12.6 | 46 | 7 | 42 | 2 | 2 |
| 2005 | MIA | 5 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 80 | 20.0 | 54 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Career[11] | 75 | 61 | 590 | 315 | 4,699 | 14.9 | 70 | 25 | 213 | 5 | 3 | |
Personal life
[edit]Boston's father, Byron, is an American football official in the NFL. He was not permitted to officiate regular season games in which David played. Byron worked as a line judge for one of his son's preseason games, between the Cardinals and the San Diego Chargers on August 14, 1999.
On March 27, 2000, David Boston and Na'il Diggs were traveling northbound in a Hummer on I-71 in Columbus, Ohio. A Ford Escort driven by Danielle Carfagna was traveling the wrong way on the interstate and collided with the Hummer. Boston and Diggs were injured, and Carfagna was killed in the accident.[12] Boston suffered lingering nerve damage from the accident.[13] Police were not able to determine why the woman was driving the wrong way.[14]
On October 19, 2004, Boston was accused of punching a male airline ticket agent who wouldn't let him board a plane at an airport in Burlington, Vermont. He pleaded no contest, was fined $500 and paid $211 in restitution.[13][15]
On August 23, 2007, Boston was arrested in Pinellas Park, Florida and charged with DUI after a failed sobriety test was conducted. Boston was released on his own recognizance.[16] Boston's breath test resulted in a reading of 0.00 BAC. On September 10, 2007, it was released to the media that David Boston tested positive for GHB,[17] a recreational drug that the body produces naturally. After learning of the drug charges the Buccaneers quickly came to an injury settlement with Boston allowing him to be released. On September 12, 2007, Boston was officially released by Tampa Bay when they decided to sign Mark Jones.
References
[edit]- ^ Tribune, Chicago (December 7, 2004). "SReport: Steroids ban for Boston". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
- ^ HAFL
- ^ "David Boston College Stats | College Football at Sports-Reference.com". Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ "David Boston Draft Profile". NFLDraftScout.com.
- ^ "1999 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
- ^ Clayton, John (March 16, 2004). "San Diego to get pick, player to be named". ESPN Magazine. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
- ^ "Bucs take a chance". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. May 26, 2006. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ^ "Argos' Boston to have surgery, out 10-12 weeks". TSN.ca. June 29, 2008. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ "CFL Live Game Day". Canadian Football League. June 27, 2008. Archived from the original on June 30, 2008. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ Zelkovich, Chris (June 30, 2008). "Boston needs foot surgery after all". Toronto Star. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ "David Boston Stats". ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
- ^ Shapiro, Mark (March 27, 2000). "Cardinals' Boston Safe In Fatal Crash". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
- ^ a b Friend, Tom (September 1, 2003). "Wide Load". ESPN Magazine. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
- ^ Kremer, John. "Celebrity Automobile Accidents - Famous people who have died in car crashes". Retrieved June 28, 2019.
- ^ Schrotenboer, Brent. "NFL Player Arrests - Arrest Database". USA Today. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
- ^ "TBO.com. Tampa Bay video news". Archived from the original on November 21, 2007. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
- ^ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Pewter Report :: Index
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from Yahoo Sports
David Boston
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Birth and family background
David Boston was born on August 19, 1978, in Humble, Texas, a suburban community northeast of Houston with historical roots as an oil boomtown in the early 20th century.[5][3] Growing up in this family-oriented area during the late 1970s and 1980s, when Humble's population hovered around 6,000 and served as a bedroom community for Houston workers, Boston was immersed in a sports-centric environment that emphasized community leagues and local athletic development.[5] He is the son of Byron Boston Sr., who worked as an NFL line judge starting in the 1990s but was involved in football officiating earlier, and Carolyn Boston, a former teacher.[6][7][8][9] The family included a sister, Alicia Boston, who later became an attorney in Dallas and assisted in negotiating David's early NFL contract.[8][10] This household background, with a father deeply engaged in professional football and a mother with competitive athletic experience, provided Boston with constant exposure to the sport from a young age, fostering his initial passion amid Humble's blue-collar, community-driven culture.[6][11] Boston's early athletic interests centered on football, where he participated in youth leagues such as the Humble Area Football League, building foundational skills in a setting that encouraged physical development and teamwork among local children.[12] His father's role in officiating further integrated football into family life, offering insights into the game's rules and discipline that shaped Boston's approach before transitioning to organized high school play.[6]High school career
David Boston attended Humble High School in Humble, Texas, where he emerged as a standout two-way player in football, excelling as both a wide receiver and safety.[13] During his junior year, he recorded 16 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns on offense, while contributing two interceptions on defense, helping lead his team to a 9-1-1 record and a second-round appearance in the playoffs.[13] As a senior, Boston elevated his performance, catching 51 passes for 780 yards and eight touchdowns, alongside 88 tackles and 10 interceptions on defense; he also averaged 23 yards per kickoff return and 17 yards per punt return.[13] His efforts guided the Wildcats to a 10-3-2 season, culminating in a state semifinals loss, and earned him all-state honors as a first-team safety and second-team wide receiver, as well as all-district recognition on both sides of the ball.[13] Notable performances included his versatility in key games that showcased his speed and playmaking ability, drawing attention from college scouts nationwide.[1] Boston's high school dominance made him one of the top prospects in the class of 1996, earning All-America accolades from SuperPrep, Tom Lemming, and The National Recruiting Advisor; SuperPrep ranked him as the ninth-best wide receiver nationally and the 11th-best overall player in the Southwest.[13] He was also named Greater Houston Player of the Year and received interest from multiple major programs before committing to Ohio State University, where he signed as part of the Buckeyes' nation's No. 1 recruiting class.[14] Beyond football, Boston participated in basketball, leading his team to the state final four and earning second-team all-state honors, and in track and field, where he won the district championship in the 300-meter hurdles.[13]College career
Ohio State Buckeyes
David Boston enrolled at Ohio State University in 1996, where he quickly emerged as a key contributor for the Buckeyes football team under head coach John Cooper.[15] As a true freshman, he appeared in 12 games, showcasing his potential as a wide receiver with speed and playmaking ability that complemented Cooper's emphasis on national recruiting to build a dynamic offense.[15][16] Boston's breakout came in the 1997 season, during which he played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes' successes, including their appearance in the Rose Bowl. In that game against Arizona State, he caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Joe Germaine with 19 seconds remaining, securing a thrilling 20-17 victory and helping Ohio State claim the Rose Bowl title.[2][17] His contributions extended to key rivalries, as he helped the team navigate a competitive Big Ten schedule under Cooper's guidance, which prioritized explosive plays from skilled position players like Boston. The 1998 season marked Boston's most dominant year at Ohio State, where he solidified his status as one of the nation's elite receivers. He earned first-team All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America, recognizing his exceptional performance across 12 games.[2][18] In high-stakes matchups, such as the rivalry game against Michigan, Boston delivered standout efforts that propelled the Buckeyes to victory, underscoring his growth into a big-play threat capable of exploiting defenses with his combination of size and speed developed during his college career.[2] Following the 1998 season, Boston, then a junior, announced his decision to forgo his senior year and declare for the 1999 NFL Draft, citing his readiness for professional football after three productive seasons at Ohio State.[8] He was subsequently selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the eighth overall pick in the first round.[15]College statistics and awards
During his three seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1996 to 1998, David Boston recorded 191 receptions for 2,855 receiving yards and 34 receiving touchdowns, setting school records in each category at the time.[2] Boston's performance improved each year, as shown in the following table:| Year | Games | Receptions | Yards | Yards per Reception | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 12 | 33 | 438 | 13.3 | 5 |
| 1997 | 13 | 73 | 970 | 13.3 | 12 |
| 1998 | 12 | 85 | 1,435 | 16.9 | 17 |
| Career | 37 | 191 | 2,855 | 14.9 | 34 |
Professional career
Arizona Cardinals
David Boston was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the eighth overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, where his standout college production as a two-time All-American wide receiver had positioned him as one of the top prospects at his position.[1] He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $7.001 million, which included a $3.8 million signing bonus and $3.8 million in guarantees.[22] In his 1999 rookie season, Boston appeared in all 16 games, starting eight, and recorded 40 receptions for 473 receiving yards and two touchdowns, as he adjusted to the increased physicality and speed of NFL defenses compared to college.[23][1] The following year, in 2000, he built on that foundation with 71 receptions for 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns, emerging as a key target in the Cardinals' passing attack.[23] Boston reached his peak with the Cardinals in 2001, when he set career highs with 98 receptions for a league-leading 1,598 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, earning selections to the Pro Bowl and the Associated Press First-Team All-Pro roster.[1][24] These performances highlighted his combination of size, speed, and route-running ability, making him the focal point of the offense quarterbacked by Jake Plummer, who threw for over 3,500 yards that season amid a scheme that relied on vertical passing to counter the talent-laden NFC West rivals, including the high-powered St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers.[25] Boston's tenure faced early challenges in 2002, beginning with an off-field incident in March when he was arrested for driving under the influence and tested positive for cocaine and marijuana, prompting an NFL review under its substance abuse policy; although no suspension was imposed at the time, the matter contributed to growing concerns about his discipline.[26] On the field, he managed 32 receptions for 512 yards and one touchdown in eight starts before suffering a partially torn tendon in his right knee on October 27, which required season-ending surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the year.[27][23] This injury marked the onset of recurring physical issues that would impact his career trajectory.[1]San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins
In March 2003, David Boston signed a seven-year, $47 million contract with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent, with $12 million guaranteed, aiming to bolster their offense under head coach Marty Schottenheimer.[28] During the 2003 season, he appeared in 14 games, recording 70 receptions for 880 yards and 7 touchdowns, though his performance was hampered by weight fluctuations that saw him reportedly reach 265 pounds early in training camp, prompting the team to push for a reduction to around 235 pounds for better agility.[1][29] These concerns, combined with questions about his conditioning and occasional absences, contributed to a turbulent tenure despite his physical dominance.[7] On March 16, 2004, the Chargers traded Boston to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for cornerback Jamar Fletcher and a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft (which became the 177th overall selection, used on offensive tackle Wes Sims).[30][31] Under head coach Dave Wannstedt, Boston's time with Miami began promisingly but quickly derailed; he suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in his left knee during a preseason practice against the Houston Texans in August 2004, limiting him to zero games and placement on injured reserve.[32] Additionally, Boston tested positive for anabolic steroids prior to the season, resulting in a four-game suspension that was deferred due to his injury status.[33] Boston was released by the Dolphins after the 2004 season but re-signed to a one-year veteran's minimum contract in May 2005.[34] He appeared in 5 games that year, managing just 4 receptions for 80 yards and no touchdowns, as lingering knee issues and the effects of his prior suspension curtailed his role on the roster.[1][35] Weight concerns persisted, with reports of him exceeding 250 pounds, further impacting his speed and integration into the offense amid coaching transitions following Wannstedt's mid-2004 resignation.[7]Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Toronto Argonauts
After being out of the league following his release from the Miami Dolphins, David Boston signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on May 24, 2006, aiming to revive his NFL career despite ongoing knee issues stemming from prior injuries.[36] He impressed during training camp and preseason, earning a spot on the initial 53-man roster, but the Buccaneers released him on September 9, 2006—the day before their season opener—to accommodate roster needs amid offensive line injuries, as his knee had not fully recovered.[37] The Buccaneers re-signed Boston in early 2007, giving him another opportunity to compete for a receiver position. However, his tenure was short-lived; he suffered a ligament injury to his right foot during pregame warm-ups before the September 9, 2007, matchup against the Seattle Seahawks and did not play in the game. The team reached an injury settlement with him and released him on September 12, 2007, effectively closing the door on further NFL prospects amid his persistent health challenges and off-field issues, including a DUI arrest earlier that August where tests later revealed the presence of GHB.[38][39] Seeking to prolong his professional playing days after exhausting NFL options, Boston signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League on April 21, 2008, drawn by the league's different style—wider fields and motion rules that could suit his physical receiving skills—and the chance to compete at a high level again.[40] He debuted in the Argonauts' season opener on June 26, 2008, against the BC Lions but experienced significant foot pain afterward, leading him to undergo surgery rather than continue. Boston announced his retirement in July 2008, reflecting that cumulative injuries from his NFL days had ultimately shortened what he hoped would be a longer career, though he expressed gratitude for the brief CFL opportunity as a final chapter.[41][42]Professional statistics
David Boston's NFL career, spanning six seasons from 1999 to 2005 across three teams, yielded totals of 315 receptions for 4,699 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns in 75 games, with 61 starts.[1] His performance peaked in 2001 but declined sharply due to recurring injuries, limiting his output relative to his status as the eighth overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, where he was viewed as a top wide receiver prospect expected to become a perennial star.[1] The following table summarizes Boston's year-by-year NFL receiving statistics, highlighting his progression and subsequent drop-off:| Year | Team | Games Played | Starts | Receptions | Yards | Yards per Reception | Touchdowns | Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | ARI | 16 | 8 | 40 | 473 | 11.8 | 2 | 2 |
| 2000 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 71 | 1,156 | 16.3 | 7 | 2 |
| 2001 | ARI | 16 | 15 | 98 | 1,598 | 16.3 | 8 | 1 |
| 2002 | ARI | 8 | 8 | 32 | 512 | 16.0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 | SDG | 14 | 14 | 70 | 880 | 12.6 | 7 | 2 |
| 2005 | MIA | 5 | 0 | 4 | 80 | 20.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 3TM | 75 | 61 | 315 | 4,699 | 14.9 | 25 | 7 |
