The road to Super Bowl limelight was a long one for Boley.
He played running back, safety, wide receiver, punter, place kicker and kick returner at Elkmont High School. In his senior season, he was named all-state while compiling 1,015 yards rushing and 746 yards receiving.
Even back in Elkmont, Boley knew he could make it to the NFL.
“I’ve always thought I’ve had what it takes, even in high school,” Boley said. “It’s kind of one of those things where you have a dream and you keep pushing for it regardless of what anybody says.”
Despite his high school success, Boley was considered undersized and was ignored by larger college programs. He played at Southern Mississippi University, becoming a three-time All Conference USA linebacker.
He won the Conerly Award, given to the best college player in Mississippi and was a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker), Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player) and the Lott Impact Trophy.
He was drafted in the fifth round by Atlanta.
“It has been a long and fun journey,” Boley said. “Going to high school in Alabama, to taking the trip over to Mississippi for college, it was a great experience.”
Every summer, Boley returns to Elkmont to conduct a football camp.
“It’s something I do to try and give back to my community,” he said. “I am one of the few guys to come out of my area to be successful like this, so I try to do what I can to give back.”
He also had a simple message for young kids in Elkmont.
“If you have a dream, shoot for it,” he said. “Don’t let anything tear you away from it.”
Despite his high school success, Boley was considered undersized and was ignored by larger college programs. He played at Southern Mississippi University, becoming a three-time All Conference USA linebacker.
He won the Conerly Award, given to the best college player in Mississippi and was a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker), Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player) and the Lott Impact Trophy.
He was drafted in the fifth round by Atlanta.
“It has been a long and fun journey,” Boley said. “Going to high school in Alabama, to taking the trip over to Mississippi for college, it was a great experience.”
Every summer, Boley returns to Elkmont to conduct a football camp.
“It’s something I do to try and give back to my community,” he said. “I am one of the few guys to come out of my area to be successful like this, so I try to do what I can to give back.”
He also had a simple message for young kids in Elkmont.
“If you have a dream, shoot for it,” he said. “Don’t let anything tear you away from it.”
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