South Carolinians take football very seriously. When fall approaches, many shift their schedules to accommodate Friday night lights, Saturday college games, and NFL Sundays.
Tajh Boyd is a celebrated figure in the fabric of the state’s football culture. A record-setting quarterback for the Clemson Tigers from 2010–2013, Boyd is a three-time All-ACC pick and the 2012 ACC Player of the Year who set several school records, including passing touchdowns (107) and passing yards (11,904). Well regarded as a key player who spearheaded Clemson football’s trajectory into the national spotlight, Boyd found that his post-college football career fell short of what he imagined for himself after short stints with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Football stats, however, don’t begin to describe the measure of the man that is Tajh Boyd. Thoughtful and service-driven, he is the definition of resilience and optimism in even the darkest of times. As he reflects on the disappointments of his post-college career, he says that “during some of the down moments, there was a time in which I wondered if my career meant anything. Then I realized that the experiences I went through in the game weren’t just for me but for me to use to help younger players. I wouldn’t trade any of the moments I endured because it made me who I am and helped shape me.”
He credits Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin as someone who was momentous in his growth as a man. “We had such a short stint together, but during that time I was struggling on a daily basis, trying to win and make the team on every play instead of just focusing on the moment. He would walk past me and say, ‘Take out the trash.’ It took me a while to get it, but I finally realized he meant for me to take out the trash mentally. It changed my perspective. I became more intentional about the things I digest on a daily basis—not just food, but the things I listen to and read as well as the people I allow to speak into my life.”
From Playing to Coaching
These days, Boyd can be found back in Death Valley in his fourth year on Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney’s staff, where he has transitioned from player development to offensive analyst and Assistant Quarterbacks Coach. He says the opportunity to coach and share his experiences with players is a blessing and acknowledges that they often thank him for being so open with his testimony.
“I see myself in a lot of the guys,” he says. “I can remember the highs and lows. I see them going through the same struggles and I know it’s important for them to have people around to help navigate their way and I believe that is what my job is. I try to earn the title of coach every day. I’m striving to be for them what I needed when I was in their shoes.”
Boyd says it has been eye-opening to transition from working for Dabo Swinney as a player to now being on staff with him. “It is awesome to work with a person who truly wants these players to succeed in life, not just on the scoreboard,” he says. “He is always open for new ideas, and I truly appreciate that.”
The avid writer and poet, who is also a new dad to baby Nyla, says he would love to be a head coach one day, inspired by his high school coach Bill Dee, Dabo Swinney, and Mike Tomlin. “I want to be a change agent for players,” Boyd says.
Hall of Fame
Tajh Boyd will be inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame this November. Hall of Fame Day is Saturday, November 2, when Clemson plays Louisville at home in Memorial Stadium.
Tajh Boyd Style Notes
How would you describe your fashion sense?
It is eclectic. How I dress sometimes depends on what music I’m listening to at the moment, and my tastes range from Jason Isbell to Leon Bridges to Beethoven. The Clemson players look to see what I’m going to wear every single day.
What are the keys to a good look?
I love shoes and jackets. I probably own 120 pairs of shoes, from sneakers to cowboy boots.
Where do you shop?
I love shopping at boutique stores in different cities so that I can bring a piece of that city back with me.
