The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Boyd drafted by Minnesota Vikings
04.27.2019 | Football
Texas CB Kris Boyd was selected in the seventh round with the 217th overall pick.
Texas cornerback Kris Boyd was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 217th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft on Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.
"I was just happy," Boyd said. "I just couldn't say anything. I was just filled with joy, I couldn't even explain it. I was just all smiles and couldn't believe it, but at the same time I could believe it because I knew it was going to happen, it was my dream and goal. I was just excited that 22 years finally paid off."
With the selection of Boyd, Texas has had at least one defensive back chosen in six of the last 10 drafts. He becomes the ninth Longhorn chosen all-time by Minnesota and the first since DE Brian Robison (2007) and CB Cedric Griffin (2006) were taken in back-to-back years. He also joins former Longhorn corners Holton Hill and Duke Thomas who are currently with the Vikings after signing last year as free agents.
"I was in the backyard throwing the football and all of sudden I got a phone call and I looked and it said Minnesota," Boyd said. "I just said, 'I'm about to get drafted.' I said it so nonchalant that (my friends) were laughing and asking me why I said it like that. They were all so anxious when I answered the phone. I ran in the living room and I was watching the TV while I was on the phone the GM and everybody was watching. As soon as I hung up, the first thing I said was, 'I'm going to be with Hollywood (Hill).' Those were the first words that came out of my mouth. It was crazy. I actually watch their games because Hollywood's playing, and I'm just ready. I know their stadium is always rockin' and I'm ready to get there and get to work."
Boyd, who played in 51 games with 33 career starts, was named first team All-Big 12 in 2018 and helped lead the Longhorns to a 10-4 record and a win in the 2019 Allstate Sugar Bowl over Georgia.
"I feel really prepared," Boyd said. "I learned a lot at UT, starting with my freshman year all the way to now, and this will be kind of like that all over again, but I know the proper steps to take now that I'm on my way to the NFL.
"It's all a blessing, just like with Hollywood, from college to the NFL that relationship right there says a lot. Then Davante (Davis), we've all been with each other through this whole process. I'm just happy and it's a blessing. I just reached out to the young guys, too, like Kobe Boyce. I texted him and said it doesn't matter where you go, as long as you get your name called, that's the goal. You want to get in the NFL, and once you get there, it's still the same game. Do your job and be happy and enjoy the moment, because you only get it once. It's all a blessing, and I'm just ready to get there and get back to football."
A Senior Bowl participant, Boyd played in all 14 games in his final season and was fifth on the team with 67 tackles (49 solo) to go along with 4.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one pressure, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a team-high 16 pass breakups.
The Gilmer native finished his career with 191 tackles (141 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss and one sack. He had 40 passes defended in his career, including four interceptions and added four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one quarterback hurry. He was also named second team All-Big 12 in 2017 by the Associated Press.
