Mike Greenberg accidentally mixes up Browns rookie with a former NFL player's son, says sorry

It was supposed to be a feel-good moment for Denzel Boston, the Washington wide receiver just drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft. But things took a strange turn when ESPN's Mike Greenberg, live on air, introduced him as the son of David Boston, a former NFL standout who played mostly with the Chargers and Raiders in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The only problem? They're not related.

The comment slipped out during the second day of the draft as Greenberg was discussing the Browns' pick. He spoke with confidence, framing the selection as a legacy moment. But fans and fact-checkers reacted fast. Within minutes, social media lit up with corrections, pointing out that Denzel Boston has no known family ties to David Boston - just a shared last name and a position on the field.

Greenberg addressed the error later that evening, issuing a clear apology. 'That was a terrible mistake on my part,' he said, emphasizing that he had no verified information about Denzel Boston's family background. 'I made an assumption based on a name and a position, and that's not good enough - especially on live TV.'

Denzel Boston, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound receiver, was picked in the sixth round. He's known for his reliable hands and route-running, though he flew under the radar at a school not typically known for producing NFL talent. The Browns see him as a developmental piece who could contribute on special teams early.

David Boston, for context, had a solid 11-year NFL career and was once one of the league's highest-paid receivers. His name still carries weight among longtime fans, which may have contributed to the assumption. But aside from the surname and both being wideouts, the connection ends there.

The mix-up became a minor talking point in a draft otherwise praised for its surprises and strategic moves. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had high marks for the Browns' first-round picks, saying they 'hit two big needs' with their early selections. But it was Greenberg's slip that stuck in people's minds by the end of the night.

Mistakes happen, especially during long, high-pressure broadcasts. But in the age of instant fact-checking, even a passing comment can become a headline. Greenberg's quick correction helped, but it's a reminder of how fast assumptions can backfire - especially when names sound familiar.