Titans fans quickly finding out what Jets fans already knew about Tim Boyle

It took just one game for Tennessee Titans fans to start wondering the same thing New York Jets fans — and plenty of others around the NFL — have been asking for years. How does Tim Boyle still have an NFL job?

The veteran quarterback’s Tennessee debut in Saturday’s preseason opener was a disaster, even by his own dismal standards. Boyle completed just 4-of-13 passes for 24 yards with two interceptions, finishing with a microscopic 0.6 passer rating in the 29-7 loss.

For most players, this might be brushed off as one rough outing. But for Boyle, it’s been the story of his entire career. This is the same player who threw just one touchdown and 13 interceptions at UConn before transferring to FCS-level Eastern Kentucky and still throwing more interceptions than touchdowns.

Yet, miraculously, Boyle has managed to parlay those college numbers into an NFL career that's going on seven years now. And despite his abysmal performance on Saturday, he still has every chance to stick around with the Titans.

Jets fans have seen this Tim Boyle story before

Boyle’s preseason struggles were just the latest reminder that NFL-caliber production has never been his calling card. Boyle has thrown just five touchdowns to 13 interceptions in 23 career appearances, averaging a lowly 5.2 yards per attempt in the process.

He's managed to have stints with the Packers, Lions, Bears, Jets, Dolphins, and Giants, and is now hoping to catch on with Tennessee. The soon-to-be 31-year-old should have a golden opportunity, too, following Will Levis' season-ending injury.

Boyle finds himself competing with fellow NFL journeyman Brandon Allen for the backup quarterback job in Nashville, and even if he isn't able to beat out his competition, he likely will stick around on the practice squad.

Jets fans know all too well about his ineptitude. Boyle started two games following Zach Wilson's benching in 2023 and managed a single touchdown pass against four interceptions before being benched himself for Trevor Siemian.

Those starts were highlighted — or perhaps lowlighted — by multiple costly turnovers, including the infamous Hail Mary pick-six on Black Friday against the Miami Dolphins. For most quarterbacks, a stretch like that signals the end of the line.

Yet Boyle keeps landing on rosters. Maybe it’s his 6-foot-4 frame, maybe it’s the decent-enough arm talent that once intrigued scouts, or maybe it’s just the benefit of knowing the right people in the right places.

Whatever the reason, Boyle's NFL career has somehow reached its seventh season, but after his Titans debut, it’s hard to imagine there are many more chapters left to write.

Forget the box score numbers, Boyle’s true legacy might be proving that in the NFL, longevity can sometimes be the greatest mystery of all. At this point, you can't help but respect the hustle.

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