Miles Boykin is calling it a career. The former Ravens wide receiver announced his retirement from the NFL this week, closing the book on a seven-year journey defined by grit, versatility, and a willingness to do the dirty work.
A third-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2019, Boykin entered the league with the kind of physical tools that turn heads at the Combine-size, speed, and athleticism that made him a tantalizing prospect. At 6-foot-4 with a wide catch radius, he looked like an ideal complement to Marquise Brown in Baltimore’s retooled receiving corps. And while the breakout as a top-flight pass-catcher never quite materialized, Boykin carved out a role that mattered, especially in a Ravens offense built around the run.
From the jump, Boykin made his presence felt as a run-blocking wideout-something that doesn’t show up in fantasy stats but earns respect in the locker room. He was a physical tone-setter on the perimeter, helping spring big gains for Baltimore’s ground game. In the red zone, he flashed as a reliable target, using his frame to box out defenders and haul in seven touchdowns over his three seasons with the Ravens.
But the challenges were there, too. Despite his athletic profile, Boykin struggled to consistently create separation against NFL corners. That limitation eventually led to a reduced role-just 35 offensive snaps in 2021-and ultimately, his release in the 2022 offseason.
Boykin wasn’t done, though. He landed with the Steelers and filled a familiar role: special teams contributor, depth receiver, and locker room presence.
Over two seasons in Pittsburgh, he started 26 games, continuing to bring value even if it didn’t always show up on the stat sheet. He later had brief stints with the Giants, Seahawks, and Bears, but didn’t appear in another regular season game.
All told, Boykin played in 40 games for the Ravens, starting 24 of them. He logged over 1,400 snaps-1,005 on offense, 417 on special teams-and finished his Baltimore tenure with 33 catches for 470 yards and seven scores.
While he may not have become a household name, Boykin’s career is a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t always about highlight reels or gaudy numbers. Sometimes, it’s about doing the unglamorous work, embracing your role, and sticking around in one of the toughest leagues in sports. And in that respect, Miles Boykin made his mark.