John Newcomb Boyett (born December 20, 1989) is a former American football safety. He was a member of the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, but due to several legal incidents, did not play a game in the National Football League (NFL). He won a Grey Cup as a member of the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
 Boyett with the Broncos in 2014 | |
| No. 20, 31 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Safety |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | December 20, 1989 Woodland, California, U.S. |
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight: | 204 lb (93 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Napa (CA) |
| College: | Oregon (2008-2012) |
| NFL draft: | 2013 / round: 6 / pick: 192 |
| Career history | |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Early life
editBoyett played high school football at Napa High School. He was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2023.[1]
College career
editBoyett played college football for the Oregon Ducks from 2008 to 2012.[2] In 2011, he was voted Second-team All-Pac-10. In 2012, Boyett was named to watch lists for Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award. His Oregon career ended one game into the 2012 season due to surgeries on both patellar tendons.[3]
Professional career
editIndianapolis Colts
editBoyett was selected by the Indianapolis Colts during the sixth round in the 2013 NFL draft.[4] He signed with the Colts on May 9,[5] and was placed on the non-football injury list on July 23, 2013.[6] On September 3, 2013, he was released by the Colts after being arrested the day prior for disorderly conduct, public intoxication and resisting law enforcement.[7] Boyett tried to enter a bar and was turned away for being already intoxicated. After refusing to leave, the police were called and he reportedly threatened officers and said "You can’t arrest me, I’m a Colts player" after attempting to flee.[8] Boyett issued an apology on September 4.[7]
Denver Broncos
editBoyett was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad on November 19, 2013.[9] He was released by the Broncos on October 23, 2014, following an arrest for third degree assault, theft, and harassment.[10][11] After headbutting a cab driver, Boyett reportedly stole a shovel from a nearby construction site and attempted to cover himself in mulch. After being found, he demanded the officers call John Elway before repeatedly hitting his head against a patrol car window while yelling and spitting.[10][12]
Ottawa Redblacks
editBoyett signed with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in July 2015.[13] In his first season in the CFL, Boyett played in only 4 games, but contributed 6 defensive tackles, 2 special teams tackles and 1 interception in limited playing time. During the off-season, and into the early part of the 2016 season Boyett was transitioned into a linebacker role, resulting in the release of veteran David Hinds.[14] In his new position, Boyett saw increased play time appearing in 11 games for the Redblacks and amassing 28 defensive tackles to go along with 10 special teams tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception as the Redblacks went on to win the Grey Cup.[15]
References
edit- ^ Wilcox, Andy (September 20, 2023). "Napa High School Athletic Hall of Fame: Boyett inspired by family, Lott". Napa Valley Register. Napa, California: Lee Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ "John Boyett - Football". University of Oregon Athletics. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
- ^ Schottey, Michael. "John Boyett Fighting to Reclaim NFL Dream After Nightmare Start to Career". Bleacher Report. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
- ^ "2013 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ "Colts sign 6 draft picks on eve of rookie camp". May 9, 2013.
- ^ Wilson, Josh (July 23, 2013). "Colts Place RB Ahmad Bradshaw on PUP; S John Boyett on Non-Football Injury List".
- ^ a b Edholm, Eric (September 3, 2013). "Indianapolis Colts release John Boyett following ludicrous statement during arrest". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ Schwab, Frank (September 2, 2013). "Colts sixth-round pick gets arrested after pleading, 'You can't arrest me, I'm a Colts player'". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ James, Marty (November 19, 2013). "John Boyett signed to Denver Broncos practice squad". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
- ^ a b Douglas, Stephen (October 24, 2014). "John Boyett Released By Broncos After Very Interesting Arrest Where He Told Officers to Contact John Elway". thebiglead.com. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ "Broncos release safety John Boyett from practice squad after arrest". si.com. October 23, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
- ^ Paul, Jesse (October 23, 2014). "Police: Ex-Bronco John Boyett punched cabbie, urged cops to call Elway". denverpost.com. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ Holder, Gord (July 20, 2015). "New Redblack John Boyett seeking redemption on, off field". ottawacitizen.com. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
- ^ "Ottawa Redblacks give promotion to linebacker John Boyett". Ottawa Sun. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
- ^ "New Redblack John Boyett seeking redemption on, off field". ottawacitizen. Retrieved April 12, 2022.