20 Facts About Garland Boyette

Garland Dean Boyette was an American professional football player who was a linebacker in the American Football League and National Football League.

Garland Boyette played for the Houston Oilers and St Louis Cardinals from 1962 to 1972.

Garland Boyette attended Wallace High School in Orange, Texas, graduating in 1958.

Garland Boyette was in the starting lineup for the Grambling State Tigers during his sophomore year, playing as a guard and defensive tackle and later receiving All-American honors at those positions.

Garland Boyette was a track and field athlete who was selected as an All-American three times.

Garland Boyette competed in the 1960 United States Olympic trials and narrowly missed qualifying for decathlon.

Garland Boyette identified the pole vault and long-distance running as the most challenging events for him, stating he "never felt safe on that aluminum pole".

Garland Boyette eventually signed with the St Louis Cardinals and changed positions to middle linebacker, learning the role over the summer of 1962.

Garland Boyette made his NFL debut with the Cardinals in 1962, and played in 14 games during his first season.

Garland Boyette was recognized as the first African-American to start at middle linebacker in professional football, together with Willie Lanier, and later recounted receiving hate mail as a result.

Garland Boyette subsequently played for the Montreal Alouettes from 1964 to 1965, winning the league's Most Valuable Player Award and being selected as an All-Canadian during the latter season.

Garland Boyette went back to the US in 1966, signing with the American Football League's Houston Oilers, reuniting with Wally Lemm, his former coach at the Cardinals.

Garland Boyette was named to the AFL All-Star team in 1968 and 1969.

Garland Boyette briefly retired at the end of the 1972 season and proceeded to serve as the Oilers' quality control coach.

Garland Boyette finished his career with the Shreveport Steamer in 1975, at the age of 35.

Garland Boyette was inducted into the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame in July 2010.

Garland Boyette was honored in the Sports Legends Gallery at the Museum of the Gulf Coast.

Garland Boyette was married to Winetta, with whom he had three children.

Garland Boyette resided in Missouri City, Texas, during his later years in a house that he constructed.

Garland Boyette died on the evening of April 19,2022, in Houston, aged 82.