Stephen Gerard Boyd (born August 22, 1972) is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League. He was a two time Pro Bowl selection at middle linebacker for the Detroit Lions. He was selected in the fifth round of the 1995 NFL Draft out of Boston College, the 141st selection, where he started for four seasons. Early years Boyd played his high school football for Valley Stream Central High School (Valley Stream, NY) for Coach Dan Tronolone, where he led the Eagles to the 1989 Nassau County Conference II Championship. A two-year captain, Boyd was selected as a Daily News All-Star his junior year after recording 102 tackles and three fumble recoveries. Boyd tabbed 92 tackles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions and a blocked punt as a senior. He also contributed 576 yards on 104 carries with 14 touchdowns as a fullback and added 9 PATs. He was selected as the Daily News Metropolitan Player of the Year and selected to the All-Suburbun football team. He was the winner of the Thorpe Award which goes to the best football player in Nassau County. Boyd chose to play at Boston College after entertaining over two dozen offers including Wake Forest, Notre Dame, and Maryland. Boyd earned a starting role as a redshirt freshman in the 1991 season where he totaled 100 tackles. As a sophomore Boyd earned 2nd team All-Big East honors. During the 1993 campaign, Boyd led the Big East in tackles with 161 and was selected 1st team All-Big East. In 1994, he was elected the ECAC Player of the Year. As a senior at Boston College, he was invited to play in the 1994 East-West Shrine Game where he recorded an interception and the 1994 Hula Bowl. Professional career Boyd was selected141 overall in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. 1995 As a rookie in the NFL, he backed up legendary All-Pro middle linebacker Chris Spielman. 1996 1997 When Spielman left the Lions for the Buffalo Bills in 1996, Boyd became the starter and an integral part of the defense for the next six seasons. In 1997, Boyd paced the Lions with 192 tackles leading Detroit to the NFC Wild Card game for the second time in three seasons. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week (8/31) in the season opener when he scored his first career touchdown on