Stephen Boyd

For the seven seasons he played linebacker for the Detroit Lions, Stephen Boyd was a fan favorite not only for delivering sledgehammer hits but for embodying the blue collar spirit of the Motor City. A 5th round draft choice out of Boston College in the 1995 draft, Boyd soon established himself as one of the Lions' defensive leaders.

In 1997, his first year as a starter, Boyd recorded 192 tackles which was second all-time in Lions history. In 1998, he was named the team's defensive MVP and in 1999 and 2000 he was voted to the Pro Bowl after leading the Lions in tackles with 188 and 166 respectively. A back injury forced his retirement following the 2001 season but not before he accumulated 773 tackles (502 solos), six sacks, three interceptions, 21 passes defended, five forced fumbles, nine recovered fumbles and 17 special teams tackles. Boyd is still ranked third on the Lions' career tackles list.

• Born August 22, 1972
• 2 Pro Bowls (1999, 2000)
• Pro Bowl alternate (1998)
• Lem Barney Defensive MVP (1998, 2000)
• Joe Schmidt Leadership Award (2000)
• All-Madden Team (1999)
• First-team All-America, All-Big East Conference and All-Eastern College Athletic Conference as a senior at Boston College
• All-America first-team selection by Football News as a sophomore at Boston College