New Steelers receiver Miles Boykin reveals why he used to 'hate' Pittsburgh

Being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2019 NFL Draft, former Notre Dame star Miles Boykin was groomed through the first three years of his NFL career to ‘hate’ the Ravens’ bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, Boykin is set to suit up for the Steel City this season, forcing him to change his outlook on the Steelers organization almost immediately.

“It was crazy because I thought the Steelers were going to draft me originally,”  Boykin said to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “But when I got to Baltimore, it was like, ‘No, I hate Pittsburgh.’”

Hate is certainly a strong word, especially since Boykin only has only seen the field against the Steelers once in his NFL career back in 2020. He snagged two receptions for 30 yards in Baltimore in a 28-24 loss to their AFC North rival.

With a 2021 campaign riddled with injuries, Boykin played in just one game with the Ravens last season. These factors made it hard for him not to believe he’d be let go by the team – it was clear his future with the team was in jeopardy and was ready for the news when he got the call.

“I kind of knew about it since the end of the season. They kind of expressed that my hit on the salary cap was going to be detrimental to them,” Boykin said. “They’re trying to work out deals with Lamar [Jackson] and other people … so I was kind of ready for it. I was prepared for it.”

Now healthy, Boykin not only has a new outlook on his new team, but on his career in general. With injuries taking away basically full seasons away from his career, he’s realized he can’t take this position as a potential different maker on his new team for granted.

Boykin and the Steelers are both looking to form new identities during the 2022 NFL season, and there’s no better way to do that in year one than with another Lombardi Trophy headed to to Pittsburgh.

“Just go out there and try to be a difference maker, whether it’s special teams or receiver,” Boykin said is what the Steelers told him. “I’m just excited to get out there and get a chance to be a playmaker here … Ever since I’ve been in this league I’ve felt like I have something to prove. But my only goal is to win a Super Bowl. That’s why I’m here.”