On Friday, during the Day 2 broadcast of the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg found himself at the center of a social media firestorm following a significant factual blunder.
The veteran anchor ultimately issued a candid on-air apology after mistakenly identifying Washington WR Denzel Boston as the son of David Boston.
Mike Greenberg Issues Apology Over Denzel Boston Blunder
Greenberg openly admitted his mistake during ESPN’s coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.
He said, “I was waiting for them to come around so I could apologize to Denzel Boston, who, earlier tonight I misidentified as being the son of former NFL receiver David Boston.
“It was a mistake in my research. It’s a terrible one, and I apologize to them both. They are not related to each other. So, I apologize to both David and Denzel Boston and congratulations to Denzel.”
It happened when the Cleveland Browns selected Boston with the No. 39 overall pick. While the broadcast showed Boston celebrating with his family, Greenberg exclaimed, “So there you are, Mel [Kiper Jr.], that’s another player whose name you were waiting to hear called. You remember his dad, David Boston, first-round pick out of Ohio State in 1999.”
The NFL world was quick to point out that they were not related, with some analysts and observers blasting the host for his lack of “research .” This forced Greenberg to rectify his mistake on the air.
Interestingly, this was not the veteran host’s first mistake of the draft. When the Miami Dolphins traded up to the 27th pick to select San Diego State CB Chris Johnson, Greenberg suggested the player was “staying in California,” seemingly forgetting that the Dolphins play in Florida.
While some were quick to call for Greenberg’s job, industry insiders pointed out that the 2026 broadcast was uniquely difficult. The NFL implemented a new, shorter 8-minute time limit for first-round picks, forcing the ESPN crew to operate at a breakneck pace.
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But for the Browns, Boston offers an immediate red-zone upgrade. Standing 6’4″, the former Washington standout offers elite ball skills and a physical frame that complements the speed of fellow rookie KC Concepcion.
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While he may lack elite separation speed, his ability to win contested catches makes him a reliable chain-mover. Boston projects as a high-upside starter who effectively bolsters Cleveland’s revamped receiving corps.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be remembered for its frantic pace and Pittsburgh’s hospitality, but for Mike Greenberg, it will serve as a permanent reminder that in live TV, you are only as good as your last fact-check.
