Ravens Ex Nick Boyle Trying Out For Steelers at New Position

Former Baltimore Ravens tight end Nick Boyle is trying out at a new position for the bitter rival Pittsburgh Steelers

Former Baltimore Ravens tight end Nick Boyle is embarking on a new chapter of his NFL career. 

Boyle is trying out for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens' most-hated foe, but not at his usual position. Instead, the 30-year-old will try out as a long snapper for the Black and Gold. While it may seem like a strange choice for an NFL comeback, Boyle is committed to this new role.

“I still love Baltimore, have a lot of relationships there, but this is just unique and different and it’s exciting,” Boyle told Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “But I’m serious. Let’s go do it. It’s not a joke. That’s not what I want it to look like, because it’s not."

For Boyle, a devastating injury proved to be the catalyst for his position change. He suffered a dislocated left knee in 2020, which ended his season and greatly limited him for the rest of his time in Baltimore. Since that injury, Boyle only played half of the Ravens' games and had just one catch for two yards.

Boyle wanted to keep playing somehow, and with snapping not being as demanding on the body, it was a perfect match. After the Ravens released him in January, Boyle began practicing for his new role.

“I was snapping to a Fisher Price basketball hoop in my driveway,” Boyle said. “My wife didn’t want to catch the balls. I hit [the backboard] sometimes. Sometimes, it goes in the road.”

Long snapping isn't entirely foreign to Boyle, though. It was his primary position in high school and what he initially pitched himself as to colleges. He also worked out as a long snapper at Maryland's pro day, which led him to this tryout with the Steelers.

Prior to his injury, Boyle was a solid tight end for the Ravens. A fifth-round pick out of Delaware in 2015, Boyle finishes his time in Baltimore with 121 receptions for 1,049 yards and four touchdowns. However, His greatest strength was his blocking ability, which became especially important once the Ravens transitioned to a more run-centric offense under quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Boyle is still in the process of his comeback attempt, but this opportunity is a good first step.

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