Mike Boone

BIOGRAPHY

Mike Boone, born on June 30, 1995, is a proficient American professional football player whose position predominantly is that of a running back. During his career, he has played for several teams in the US’s prestigious National Football League (NFL). Boone’s athletic journey was imbued with determination, talent, and continuous drive, which led him to shine at various levels of his career, from high school through to the professional NFL.

Born and raised in Glen St. Mary, Florida, Boone developed impressive skills as a young athlete during his time at Baker County High School, not only exploring but also excelling in American football as a wide receiver. His prodigious high school years are engraved with a laudable achievement in 2013 when he concluded his senior year leading his team to a 7-3 victory. Demonstrating remarkable skill, Boone amassed 1,068 yards with 57 catches, setting a record 211 receiving yards in a single game – an achievement unparalleled in the history of his high school. Complementing his prowess in football, Boone also lettered in basketball and track, illuminating his admirable versatility as an athlete.

When it was finally time to take the leap from high school to university, Boone committed to the University of Cincinnati, turning down an offer from FIU to play football at the collegiate level. Over the years from 2014 to 2017, Boone showcased an excellent performance as a running back in the Bearcats’ college football team. An unforgettable moment from this chapter in his career came on October 24, 2014, where he ran an impressive 212 yards off 19 carries against South Florida, securing a touchdown. The subsequent season in 2015 witnessed Boone leading the American Athletic Conference with the highest rushing yards per attempt, demonstrating his prowess and dependability as a running back.

With a high-octane college football career behind him, Boone made his professional debut in 2018 after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings on April 30, 2018. His performance during the preseason was dazzling from the start – he finished fourth in the league with 195 rushing yards. Boone’s efforts led to his selection on the Vikings’ 53-man roster, and he made his NFL debut in the third week against the Buffalo Bills. While the Vikings suffered a loss, Boone made his presence known with two carries for 11 yards. He finished his rookie season with 11 carries spanning 47 yards, setting a promising tone for his future as a professional football player.

The 2019 season was a notable journey for Boone, filled with challenges, changes, and great opportunities. During Week 15, he stepped up to seize an unexpected opportunity when Dalvin Cook, the Vikings’ starting running back, was pulled out due to a shoulder injury during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Boone made the most of this chance, running 13 times to cover 56 yards. This incredible performance, alongside two secured touchdowns, hugely contributed to the Vikings’ resounding 39-10 triumph. Boone finished the 2019 season with 273 rushing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his incredible talent and determination.

Boone continued to illustrate his skill during the subsequent 2020 season. A key moment that year came during a game against the Houston Texans when Boone forced a fumble on punt returner DeAndre Carter, an act which considerably aided the Vikings’ 31-23 victory. Boone’s noteworthy performance catapulted him to the title of NFC Special Teams Player of the Week during Week 4, proving his worth both as a running back and as a Special Teams player.

In a bid to continue his football career, Boone signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos on March 18, 2021. However, Boone’s time with the Broncos was fraught with injury as he was placed on injured reserve barely five months later. He was put back on the active team, only to suffer an ankle injury and again be placed on the injured list. Boone’s stint with the Broncos, as a result, concluded prematurely.

By March 17, 2023, Boone was ready to start a new chapter in his professional life and signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans. Boone entered the 2023 season at a promising note, settling into third place on the depth chart. However, due to lack of opportunities and injuries, he was released by the Texans in the same season after having only 12 touches in 14 games.

Despite these setbacks, Boone’s fierce love for the sport was unwavering. He signed onto the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad on January 2, 2024. Quickly making an impression, Boone successfully secured a spot on the active roster. However, his placement was short-lived as he was released in October 2024, only to be re-signed to the practice squad just two days later. Even with the constant ebb and flow of opportunities, Boone managed to persevere and continually strive for superiority in his professional career as a running back in the NFL.