Tyler Boynton

TACKLING THE TRUTH

Varsity Football star Tyler Boynton’s (‘24) success Dane Jorgensen

The football season is in full gear, and as playoffs have begun, one name persists in all talks of Bishop’s Football: Tyler Boynton (‘24). A junior on the Boys’ Varsity Football Team, he is the Hercules of the Bishop’s football mythos. As with all legends, echoes of his feats ring through your email inbox: “Tyler Boynton ('24) is a man on a mission.”

“Boynton was and has been unblockable all year.”

“Offenses are having nightmares about him.”

“Boynton played offense like he was on a mission to destroy.”

“Tyler Boynton was unstoppable on defense and wreaked havoc on La Jolla’s offense all night.”

–The Bishop’s Locker Room

Unlike Hercules, Tyler did not strangle a snake in his crib as an infant. Instead, Tyler claims that he was “born playing football,” starting in YMCA flag football leagues since he was able to walk. Tyler’s Bishop’s football debut was in middle school flag football. Nick Marvin (‘24), Tyler’s middle school teammate, recognized that his “undisputed strength coupled with his sheer unconquerable nature made him a feared opponent at any position in the game.”

Tyler was drawn to football like a moth to a blowtorch. Tyler said, “I loved how everything off the field seemed to vanish until the end of the game.” The cathartic release of tackle football gives Tyler a “feeling of freedom that comes with running around on the open field.” Fundamental in his love for the sport is “being part of a hardworking team with an unbreakable bond.” Playing with his teammates gives Tyler “a sense of pride and accomplishment that [he can’t] find anywhere else.” Tyler started his varsity football career in his freshman year as a backup linebacker and running back. Last year, as a sophomore, Tyler moved to the offensive and defensive line. His move from linebacker to lineman during his sophomore year was not an easy one. Tyler was moved to the position due to a lack of players at the position and he was initially disappointed. “Rarely are the big stars and household names found on the line, so I was worried about never getting any recognition for what I did,” he said. Tyler thought that his size limited his capability of greatness, yet, after a few games, he started to love the position and really “ found his groove.” Now, standing nearly six feet tall and weighing 235 pounds, Tyler has surpassed what he thought were his physical limitations. Like a comic book superhero, when he dons the football uniform, the fun and friendly giant becomes a San Diego football player’s worst nightmare. But unlike your usual nightmare,

Tyler can bench press 300 pounds. The Knightmare was given the title of the “The Truth” by upperclassmen his freshman year, and it’s a name Tyler still carries with pride. The legend of Tyler’s moniker is best told by his teammates.

Starting linemen Declan O’Donovan (‘25) explained, “They call Tyler ‘The Truth’ because you can’t escape him.” For starting linebacker Henry Armstrong (‘25), “playing behind [Tyler]can almost be frustrating, because every time you are about to make a play in the backfield, he is already there clobbering their running back.” Henry continued, “they call him ‘The Truth’ because he is the most overpowering player on the field at all times, [and] the truth hurts.” The truth does, in fact, hurt; Tyler’s stats for the last nine games boast 69 tackles—44 of those in the backfield for a loss of yards, nine sacks, one forced fumble, and one blocked field goal. His stat block may leave many to ask what it is that sets him apart from other players. The Truth accredits his success to his coaches, along with his ability to enjoy the game. He said, “there is never a moment [when] I feel that I am not having the most fun on the field, even when I’m tired, panting, [and] trying to catch my breath after one of our incredible receivers catches a ball 90 yards down field.” Tyler said his favorite meal is a “30-piece chicken nuggets with a diet coke from Chick Fil A.” With his insatiable appetite, The Truth’s eyes are now fixated on his next big meal, University City. “They call Tyler ‘The Truth’ because you can’t escape him.”

–Declan O’Donovan (‘25)