The former Bengals’ standout is back in Cincinnati for the first time since leaving in free agency.
Tyler Boyd has seen all sides of the NFL. He has experienced the thrill of victory as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl-appearing squad of 2021, and he has lived through the agony of defeat. Boyd was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft and suffered through five straight losing seasons (a combined 25-53 record) before the Super Bowl run.
Boyd finished his career in Cincinnati with a pair of 1,000-yard seasons en route to tallying 513 receptions for 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was a free agent at the end of the 2023 season and eventually signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he has battled through injuries to manage 33 receptions for 317 yards and no scores.
Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET, Boyd will be back where it all began. And regardless of the outcome of that game, he will be celebrated for his contributions in helping to bring the Bengals from rock bottom to seconds away from Super Bowl glory.
As we welcome Boyd home, we can look back on some of the moments that helped secure his legacy in Cincinnati.
Baltimore Ravens (2017)
In a Week 17 matchup, Boyd caught a jaw-dropping 49-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton on 4th-and-12 late in the fourth quarter. The play not only secured a win for the Bengals but also knocked Baltimore out of playoff contention and helped the Buffalo Bills reach the postseason for the first time in 17 years.
First 1,000-Yard Season (2018)
Boyd had a breakout year in 2018, recording 1,028 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. This marked his emergence as a reliable and dynamic cog in the Bengals’ offense and one of the top slot receivers in the NFL.
Back-to-Back 1,000-Yard Seasons (2019)
Boyd proved his consistency by following up with another 1,000-yard season in 2019 (1,046 yards and five touchdowns), even as the Bengals struggled as a team. His effort and production stood out during a challenging period for the franchise.
Miami Dolphins (2019)
In a thrilling Week 16 game, Boyd went off for 128 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular diving catch in the end zone. Although the Bengals eventually lost in overtime, Boyd showcased his playmaking ability. The loss also secured the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft for Cincinnati and brought quarterback Joe Burrow to the Queen City.
Crucial Role in Playoff Run (2021)
During the Bengals’ Cinderella run in 2021, Boyd played a key supporting role alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. His clutch catches and steady presence helped the team reach Super Bowl LVI, their first appearance in over 30 years.
Miami Dolphins (2022)
Boyd had another remarkable performance in Week 4 of the 2022 season when he caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Burrow. He finished the game with 105 yards, showcasing his explosiveness and the chemistry he had developed with Burrow.
Atlanta Falcons (2022)
Boyd recorded a career-high 155 receiving yards, including a 60-yard touchdown catch, which contributed significantly to the Bengals’ 35-17 win.
Leadership and Consistency
Throughout his Bengals career, Boyd was a leader in the locker room and a dependable target on the field. His versatility as a slot receiver and ability to make contested catches were crucial to the team’s eventual success.
Tyler Boyd’s contributions were pivotal in transforming the Bengals into one of the NFL’s most competitive teams, and these highlights are but a small testament to his talent and dedication.
What were your favorite Tyler Boyd moments in stripes? Let us know in the comments!
