New England Patriots
The Louisiana native said playing in his home state for the first time as a pro was emotional.
Kayshon Boutte grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana, about two hours from New Orleans. He was a five-star high-school football prospect in Louisiana. He played college football at LSU.
Now, after Sunday’s win, playing an NFL game at the Superdome is another milestone he can add to his list of accomplishments.
“It was amazing coming back home, first time playing at the Superdome. A little emotional at first. It felt like a full-circle moment, first time I had been back playing here [in Louisiana], so everything was cool.
“Got comfortable as we went on, and we got a great team win. I felt like all the guys bought in and we got the dub. “
Boutte hauled in two touchdowns, both in the first half, in the Patriots’ 25-19 win over the Saints. His first touchdown capped a drive that was nearly wrecked by a controversial offensive pass interference call on Stefon Diggs. The penalty wiped a 61-yard touchdown from DeMario Douglas off the board, but Boutte and the Patriots kept pushing.
The third-year receiver, who led the Patriots with five catches and 93 yards, said the resilient approach is nothing new for him. Once considered a potential first-round pick, Boutte fell to the sixth round after an injury hurt his draft stock. He has since developed into one of the Patriots’ top receiving targets.
“Three or four years ago, I wasn’t in the best position,” Boutte said. “I think a lot of off-the-field stuff. I kind of look at myself like I’ve been through a lot and I’m kind of finally getting everything back together and feeling good. I feel like it’s good to beat the adversity and keep working.”
Boutte also converted a first down on third-and-11 late in the game that helped the Patriots run extra time off the clock.
“Press coverage,” Boutte said, when asked what he saw. “I really had an out route, converted to a play. Really just a big play in a big moment.”
Boutte said he bought tickets for 40 friends and family members to see the game. He was asked how much the tickets cost.
“I couldn’t even tell you,” Boutte said, shaking his head. “This is just once a year. We play the Saints, everybody wants to come, so just take care of the family.”
Boutte wasn’t the only LSU product on the field for New England. K’Lavon Chaisson and Will Campbell are also former Tigers.
“It means a lot. We played together when I was there, too,” Boutte said of Campbell. “We already kind of had that bond, that chemistry. Even throughout last year, he was texting me telling me, telling them, ‘Please draft me here.’ So, he wanted to be here. Now that he’s here, it’s great, great guy, great energy.”
Boutte’s big game wouldn’t have happened without his connection with quarterback Drake Maye. They’re continuing to develop familiarity with each other, and it showed Sunday.
“We work on it every day in practice,” Boutte said. “Before practice and after practice. As long as we’re trusting each other, anything is possible.”
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