Forging a familial connection that does not exist is a big mistake. Connecting two dots based on a surname is a big mistake. Committing an on-air factual error is a big mistake. No wonder ESPN's Mike Greenberg had to apologize for his comments.
Greenberg's On-Air Error
According to the Daily Mail's Ben Nagle, Greenberg was given a crucial role by the network, calling the 2026 NFL Draft this week. He was prepared with a fact as the Cleveland Browns selected Denzel Boston at No. 39. However, when the cameras turned to Boston's family home, where he hugged his loved ones, Greenberg said: 'You remember his dad, David Boston, first-round pick out of Ohio State in 1999.' Two hours later, when the Browns were about to pick again, he apologized for his massive on-air mistake.
Mike Greenberg Issues Heartfelt Apology
Greenberg said on-air: 'The Cleveland Browns traded out of the spot (pick No. 74) just a moment ago. I was waiting for them to come around again so I could make an apology to Denzel Boston, who, earlier tonight, I misidentified as being the son of former NFL wide receiver David Boston. It was a mistake in my research. It was a terrible one, and I apologize to them both. They are not related to each other. And so, I apologize to both David and Denzel Boston, and congratulations to Denzel for being drafted in the second round tonight by the Cleveland Browns. It is my mistake, and I apologize for it.'
Fan Reactions and Criticism
Greenberg may have been praised for apologizing within hours, but his mistake did not sit well with fans online. One user said his 'mistake in my research' equals 'I fed a bunch of stuff into AI, and it hallucinated it,' while another declared, 'clearly you did not do ANY research at all.' A post called him the 'least knowledgeable sports anchor on TV,' and that his mistake led to 'complete embarrassment.' Another said he has 'zero business doing anything other than being a traffic cop on debate shows.' A user brought in ESPN's top analyst, Mel Kiper Jr., into the discussion, saying that Denzel Boston was Kiper Jr.'s best available since the end of Round 1: 'How does (Mike Greenberg) not already have a fact sheet proofread before pick? Lazy journalism.'
Who Are Denzel Boston and David Boston?
Denzel Boston
Denzel Boston played behind Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan at Washington. The Cleveland Browns drafted Denzel Boston as their second-round, 39th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He played wide receiver for the Washington Huskies for four seasons (2022-2025). He played behind Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze and Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan in the first two years of his college football career. He secured an 87.7 overall PFF grade in 2025 after collecting 56 receptions on 86 targets for 755 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He ranked 14th among 679 qualified wide receivers. The 6-foot-4, 212-pounder has one Third-team All-Big Ten selection. His father's name is Chris Boston and his mother's name is Rechelle Boston. He has three older brothers, and they were all raised in Boise, Idaho (via The Sporting News' Andrew Gitto).
David Boston
David Boston is a 47-year-old former NFL wide receiver. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1996 to 1998. He was drafted in 1999 by the Arizona Cardinals as their first-round, 8th overall pick. He played in the NFL from 2007 to 2007 for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played one season (2008) with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. The Sporting News' Andrew Gitto reports that David has three children: one daughter, Alaia, and two sons, Jaylen and Brayden.
David Boston's Son Brayden
According to a 2022 article by BVM Sports' Logan Hanson, Boston pleaded guilty to an aggravated battery charge and received a 6-month prison sentence in 2011. Afterward, he returned to Humble, where he lived near his parents and sister. He trained athletes aged 6 to 13, as well as high school athletes, with a focus on football. Boston's son, Brayden, is also an athlete like his father. Brayden excels on the basketball court, playing for the LOFDL BLUECHIPS AAU team. As per the 2022 article, Boston is looking to help young athletes in his own community make their mark on the world. His son may come up soon, as another Boston dominates high school sports.
