Boyd enters draft, sort of

Former Pitt wide receiver Tyler Boyd is a warrior on the field, but he recently realized he signed up for the wrong battle.

Due to a mishap at the Panthers’ appearance in the 2015 Military Bowl, Boyd accidentally signed up for the United States Military’s draft, rather than the NFL Draft that he intended on entering.

Boyd said he received a pamphlet at the bowl game from an officer, with large font saying “DRAFT” on the top.

“I just assumed that at a football bowl game with so much talent, that the NFL must have issued the pamphlet,” Boyd said. “I guess I just forgot what bowl we were in, and who we were playing.”

Boyd, who competed against the Navy Midshipmen in Annapolis, Maryland, logged on to the URL the pamphlet listed, entitled nationaldraft.com.

Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who has participated in numerous Military Bowls, said this has been a recurring problem at the Military Bowl.

“It’s something we’ve been trying to address for years,” Niumatalolo said. “This has happened countless times. We really need to stop putting those pamphlets in the locker rooms.”

Boyd received an email from a command officer in the Navy Seals on Wednesday, notifying the wideout that the elite unit had interest in the super-athletic Boyd.

“I didn’t know what to do,” Boyd said. “I respect the heck out of the Seals, but I’m a football player.”

Thinking that he had already signed up for the NFL’s draft, Boyd has missed the league’s deadline. His appearance at the NFL Combine was due to a league clerical error, per a source.

Various websites have listed Boyd as a potential first or second round draft pick. Now, Boyd’s selection is in jeopardy, as he unsuccessfully petitioned NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for an extended deadline due to his mishap.

“Our league is the epitome of integrity,” Goodell said. “In a league with stars like Terrell Suggs, James Harrison and Greg Hardy, there is no room for someone who cannot meet deadlines. That’s where we draw the line.”

Without a chance of entering the NFL this year, Boyd said he is unsure of his plans for the upcoming season, as he lost his NCAA eligibility by signing with an agent.

But Boyd is taking the snafu in stride and hoping to use his free time wisely.

“Maybe I’ll climb Everest or try to watch every single Jean-Claude Van Damme film,” Boyd said. “The possibilities are limitless.”

Teams aren’t concerned by Boyd’s mistake, as long as he doesn’t have another mix-up.

“He’ll still be a first or second rounder next year,” an anonymous NFC scout said. “As long as he doesn’t enlist next time.”

This is a satirical story, part of The Pitt News’ annual April Fool’s edition.