Stephen Gerard Boyd, more popularly known as Stephen Boyd is a former linebacker who used to play for the National Football League (NFL) team, the Detroit Lions. He attended Boston College where he played for the Boston College Eagles football team. Boyd was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 1995 NFL Draft as the 141st overall pick.
Stephen Boyd was the captain of his high school football team (Valley Stream Central High School). He played under the guidance of coach Dan Tronolone. Boyd pioneered the team into the 1989 Nassau County Conference II Championship. He received Daily News All-Star honors after recording 102 tackles and three fumble recoveries.
He was impressive in his senior year as well as he recorded 92 tackles, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and a blocked punt. Due to these stats, he was awarded the Thorpe Award which is given to best player in Nassau County. Additionally, he was also the Daily News Metropolitan Player of the Year.
Stephen Boyd continued this good form over to the university level as well when he played for Boston College. He was instantly a starter in his freshman season and earned 2nd team All-Big East honors during his sophomore year. As a junior, he was selected in the 1st team All-Big East after recording 161 tackles in 1993.
Boyd was awarded the ECAC Player of the Year in his senior year. He even featured in the 1994 Hula Bowl in his final year. In his rookie season with the Detroit Lions, he was behind Chris Spielman.
Stephen Boyd was a two time Associated Press Pro Bowl selection with the Detroit Lions
Stephen Boyd was a 2 time Pro Bowl selection during his time with the Detroit Lions. The first one came during the 1999 season when he recorded 128 tackles and was the highest for the Lions. Boyd was a starter for the NFC (National Football Conference)as a middle linebacker. He was named in the All-Madden team as well.
Are they doing Stephen Boyd because they can’t get Chris Spielman? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Xm5C3Da4z1
— Tehimself 🏈🎮👟🦁💙 (@tehimself) November 9, 2023
The following season, he was once again given Pro Bowl honors as he recorded 139 tackles, leading the Detroit Lions for a fourth consecutive season. He successfully managed to record double-digit tackles in ten games in 2000. Moreover, he was also part of the All-Pro Second Team and All-NFC teams.
Following his retirement from the NFL in 2001, he became the head coach at Chaminade High School but retired in 2016. He was honored at his former school by the Valley Stream Republican Committee. Boyd currently lives in Atlantic Beach.