Troubled wideout had tremendous season for Cardinals in 2001

Former Arizona Cardinals wideout David Boston had a controversial stay in the NFL, but his 2001 campaign was one for the ages.

When the Arizona Cardinals drafted David Boston back in 1999, you can bet that the franchise was unaware of the frustrating rollercoaster ride they’d be going on with the eighth overall selection.

Arizona‘s wide receiver had both the skills and physical ability to become one of professional football’s all-time greats, but Boston’s personal issues were apparently too much to overcome.

The bright star that Boston hitched his ride to burned out quickly, and his time in the NFL came to an abrupt end after just six campaigns. Four of those seasons were spent with the Cards, one of which will go down as one of the greatest years that a pass-catcher with the organization ever enjoyed.

David Boston was an unstoppable force for the Arizona Cardinals back in 2001

20 years ago, Boston was coming off an extremely impressive sophomore campaign for a struggling Cardinals offense. In the 16 matchups he suited up for in 2000, the 6-foot-2, 228-pounder tallied 71 receptions, 1,156 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. Those were solid numbers for sure, but it’s what he accomplished in 2001 that would elevate Boston into a completely different stratosphere.

In 16 appearances for the Redbirds in 2001, the volatile Boston hauled in 98 passes from quarterback Jake Plummer, and he was credited with eight scores. The former Ohio State Buckeye also posted an eye-popping 1,598 receiving yards, a figure that still stands as the highest single-season yardage total in Cards history.

Sadly, Boston would log just three more pro campaigns after that record-setting performance for Arizona. There were drug issues, an assault on an airline ticket agent, and a DUI arrest to boot along the way for the troubled player. Boston also pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated battery after being accused of punching a woman in the head back in 2011.

There was a time back in the early 2000s when the sky appeared to be the limit for the ultra-talented Texas native. Unfortunately, Boston could never find a way to deal with the demons that ultimately destroyed a once-promising career.