It was a moment that had NFL fans doing a double take—and not because of a surprise draft pick. During ESPN's live coverage of the NFL Draft on Friday, veteran host Mike Greenberg made an embarrassing gaffe that quickly lit up social media. He mistakenly identified Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston as the son of former Ohio State and NFL standout David Boston.
The error came as Boston, selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 39th overall pick, celebrated with his family on camera. Greenberg casually remarked, “You remember his dad, David Boston, first-round pick out of Ohio State in 1999.” The only problem? The two are not related at all.
Fans were quick to point out the mix-up. One user wrote on social media, “Greeny just assuming because they’re both receivers with the last name Boston that they must be father and son.” Another added, “How Greenberg has a job is beyond me.” The backlash was swift, but Greenberg didn’t let the moment slide.
During ESPN’s third-round coverage, Greenberg made a point to circle back and issue a full, on-air apology. “The Cleveland Browns traded out of the spot just a moment ago. I was waiting for them to come around again so that I could make an apology to Denzel Boston, who, earlier tonight, I misidentified as being the son of former NFL wide receiver David Boston. It was a mistake in my research. It was a terrible one, and I apologize to them both. They are not related to each other,” Greenberg said.
He continued, “I apologize to both David and Denzel Boston, and congratulations to Denzel for being drafted in the second round tonight by the Cleveland Browns. It is my mistake, and I apologize for it.” It was a rare moment of accountability from a high-profile broadcaster, and fans took note.
Boston, for his part, is focused on his NFL future. The 6-foot-2 pass-catcher put up impressive numbers at Washington, hauling in 132 receptions for 1,781 yards and 20 touchdowns. He'll join fellow rookie KC Concepcion in a Browns offense led by coordinator Todd Monken, and Boston is already talking big. “We’re going to bring a good mix of explosiveness and having explosive plays after explosive plays. Both of us have generated tons of touchdowns throughout our college careers. So, I think those are the two things for sure you can look forward to,” he said.
The incident is just the latest in a string of draft-day controversies. Earlier, ESPN's Mike Greenberg faced a social media firestorm after the NFL Draft blunder, but his willingness to own the mistake may help him bounce back. Meanwhile, the Browns are hoping Boston’s on-field production will be the story that sticks.
For Greenberg, the weekend isn't over. He'll be back on the air for Saturday's coverage, and fans will be watching to see if he can deliver a clean performance. After all, Shedeur Sanders emerged as a clear winner of the 2026 NFL Draft, but for Greenberg, simply avoiding another slip-up would be a win.
