By Darin Benny Boynton was a legendary figure of early 20th-century football, known for his prowess as a quarterback and exceptional drop-kicker. A standout at Williams College, Boynton dominated the collegiate landscape for years, establishing a reputation that few players of his era could match. His remarkable consistency earned him the rare and prestigious distinction of being named a consensus All-American four times during his career (1917, and 1919-1921). This achievement solidified his status as one of the best college players of his generation.
Boynton translated his collegiate success into the nascent professional game. He played for several early pro teams, beginning with the Buffalo All-Americans in the newly formed American Professional Football Association (APFA, which would become the NFL). In 1920, he was immediately recognized as one of the league’s top talents, earning a coveted spot on the APFA All-Pro team. He later played for the Rochester Jeffersons and, in 1926, with the New York Giants, contributing to the growth and popularization of the professional sport during its formative years.
Despite a relatively short professional run typical of the era, Boynton’s college career left an indelible mark. His ability to lead his team and his accurate kicking made him a dangerous dual-threat offensive weapon. His lifelong gridiron accomplishments were officially recognized when the National Football Foundation inducted Benny Boynton into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1964, cementing his status as a pioneer and one of the earliest undisputed superstars of American football.
