Why's Patriots' Kayshon Boutte Wear Old Shoulder Pads? ‘Never Forget!'
FOXBORO — As New England Patriots rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte settled in behind the microphone at the conclusion of Wednesday’s practice, a hint of purple and gold padding could be seen peeking under his tucked-up white Pats practice jersey.
The colors — easily recognized as that of his alma mater, LSU — clearly showed that the 21-year-old continues to wear his Tigers’ shoulder pads as he embarks on his NFL career.
For Boutte, the reason is simple.
“Never forget where you come from,” Boutte said with a grin while speaking with reporters.
Boutte’s time in Baton Rouge was marked by both success and setback. As a true freshman for the LSU Tigers in 2020, the New Iberia native developed into one of the most promising receivers in the nation, compiling 735 yards on 45 catches with five touchdowns in 10 games. Through five games in his sophomore season, he had already eclipsed his previous year's touchdown total, while being well on his way to shattering his collegiate career-highs in receptions and receiving yards.
Unfortunately, Boutte suffered a season-ending broken ankle in 2021 while attempting to complete an acrobatic catch out of bounds in the Tigers’ Oct. 9 matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats. The injury caused him to miss the remaining seven games of the season; ending what had started as a promising campaign with 38 receptions for 509 yards and nine touchdowns. Though he returned to the field for LSU for his junior season, he was never able to recapture his previous prowess, causing both his performance and Draft stock to plummet.
Despite a disappointing showing in 2022, coupled with a dismal performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Boutte found his way to New England as one of the Patriots sixth-round Draft selections (No. 187) in the 2023 NFL Draft. Though his road to the NFL may have been atypical, Boutte is determined not only to put his injury woes behind him, but also make the most of his opportunity.
Though he admittedly got off to a slow training camp start, Boutte’s dynamic skill set was on full display during Wednesday’s practice. He won both of his one-on-one reps against cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones. Boutte also took notable reps with the starting offense in 11-on-11 drills, highlighted by connecting with Mac Jones on a 15-yard strike along the sideline.
In true Patriots fashion, Boutte credited his working to correct previous mistakes for his strong showing during the mid-week practice session.
“It gives you a lot of confidence,” Boutte said. “After practice, catching balls and working on things you didn’t do. I dropped one the other day … I came back, [made the] same catch today. I’m just working on things like that.”
Boutte’s performance will rightfully decide his fate in New England this season. At his best, he is an explosive big-play threat. The 6-0, 195-pounder possesses a sizable frame to make him tough to bring down after the catch. He also has an inherent speed to be elusive when changing direction. His ability to adjust his body to make contested catches is already catching the eye of New England's coaches, and is likely to continue doing so in the coming weeks.
Still, the talented, yet enigmatic receiver is not about to rest on the laurels of one strong camp performance.
After all, his well-worn college shoulder pads are there to remind him of where he came from, as well as motivate him to reach the heights he hopes to hit on a professional football field.
“Nothing’s going to be handed to you. I understand that from my part,” Boutte said. “I went to a high-end SEC school and had to compete to get to where I am today. It’s the same thing [here] … Starting at the bottom and working my way to the top.”
Boutte and the Patriots will return to the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday for their eighth training camp practice.
