A. J. Bouye

A. J. Bouye
refer to caption
Bouye with the Houston Texans in 2014
No. 21 – Jacksonville Jaguars
Position: Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1991-08-16) August 16, 1991
Tucker, Georgia
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight: 191 lb (87 kg)
Career information
High school: Tucker (Tucker, Georgia)
College: UCF
Undrafted: 2013
Career history
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 5, 2018
Total tackles: 214
Sacks: 1.0
Pass deflections: 53
Interceptions: 13
Forced fumbles: 1
Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at NFL.com

Arlandus Jacob "A. J." Bouye[1] (born August 16, 1991) is an American football cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at UCF, and was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2013.

College career

Bouye played college football at UCF from the 2009-10 season to the 2012-13 season. After his career with the Knights, Bouye entered the 2013 NFL Draft.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Ht Wt 40-yard dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert jump Broad BP
6 ft 0 14 in
(1.84 m)
186 lb
(84 kg)
4.55 s 1.50 s 2.62 s 4.04 s 7.06 s 36 12 in
(0.93 m)
10 ft 5 in
(3.18 m)
18 reps
All values are from UCF's Pro Day[2]

Houston Texans

On April 28, 2013, the Houston Texans signed Bouye to a three-year, $1.41 million contract that includes a $5,000 signing bonus after he went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft.[3][4][5]

2013 season: Rookie year

Throughout organized team activities and training camp, Bouye competed for a roster spot and a job as the fourth cornerback against Brandon Harris, Roc Carmichael, Johnny Adams, and Travis Howard.[6][7] Head coach Gary Kubiak named Bouye the fifth cornerback on the Texans' depth chart to start the regular season, behind Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, Brice McCain, and Brandon Harris.[8]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Houston Texans' season-opening 31–28 victory at the San Diego Chargers. On September 28, 2013, Bouye made his first career tackle on fullback Derrick Coleman during a kick return in the second quarter of a 23–20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.[9] On October 16, 2013, the Houston Texans placed Bouye on injured reserve for the remainder of the season due to a strained hamstring.[10] He finished his rookie season in 2013 with two combined tackles in six games and zero starts and appeared solely on special teams.[11] On December 13, 2013, Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair announced the firing of head coach Gary Kubiak after a franchise record 11th consecutive loss and a 2-11 record overall. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was named the interim coach for the last three games of the season.[12]

2014 season

During training camp, secondary coach John Butler held an open competition for the job as the third cornerback on the depth chart. The competition included Bouye, Brandon Harris, Josh Victorian, Elbert Mack, Andre Hal, and Marcus Williams.[13] Head coach Bill O'Brien named Bouye the third cornerback to start the regular season behind starters Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson.[14][15]

On September 21, 2014, Bouye earned his first career start and recorded three combined tackles in their 30–17 loss at the New York Giants in Week 3, but left in the third quarter after sustaining a groin injury. The injury sidelined him for the next two games (Weeks 4–5).[16] In Week 9, Bouye recorded seven combined tackles, broke up a pass, and returned his first career interception, off a pass by quarterback Mark Sanchez, for a 51-yard touchdown in the Texans' 31–21 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It also marked Bouye's first career touchdown.[17] On November 16, 2014, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (nine solo) and a pass deflection during a 23–7 win at the Cleveland Browns.[18] In Week 13, Bouye made three solo tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception by Jake Locker for a season-long 67-yard gain during the third quarter of a 45–21 victory against the Tennessee Titans.[19] He finished the 2014 season with 59 combined tackles (52 solo), ten pass deflections, three interceptions, a touchdown, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 14 games and six starts. His three interceptions tied for the most among the Texans' defense in 2014.[20]

2015 season

Throughout training camp, Bouye competed against rookie first round pick Kevin Johnson for the role as the third cornerback on the Texans' depth chart.[21] Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel opted to name Bouye the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to start the regular season, behind Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, and Kevin Johnson.[22][23]

On October 18, 2015, Bouye recorded a season-high seven solo tackles, deflected two passes, and intercepted a pass by quarterback Blake Bortles during a 31–20 victory at the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 11, he deflected a pass before leaving the Texans' 24–17 victory against the New York Jets in the third quarter due to a concussion. He remained in concussion protocol and was inactive for their Week 12 victory against the New Orleans Saints.[24] Bouye finished the 2015 season with 16 combined tackles (15 solo), six pass deflections, and two interceptions in 15 games and two starts.[20]

The Houston Texans finished first in the AFC South with a 9–7 record and received a wildcard berth. On January 9, 2016, Bouye appeared in his first career playoff game and recorded a solo tackle in their 30–0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wildcard Game.[25]

2016 season

On March 8, 2016, the Houston Texans signed Bouye to a one-year, $1.67 million tender with a right of first refusal class after he became a restricted free agent in 2016.[26]

He entered training camp slated as the fourth cornerback on the depth chart and opted to change his jersey number from No. 34 to his college number at Central Florida, No. 21. He stated he originally chose 21 because he was a fan of Deion Sanders growing up. As a rookie, he was unable to receive No. 21 as it belonged to longtime veteran Brice McCain. Head coach Bill O'Brien stated Bouye was one of the most improved players on defense during training camp.[27]

He appeared in the Houston Texans' season-opener against the Chicago Bears and recorded three solo tackles, deflected a pass, and his first career sack on quarterback Jay Cutler during their 23–14 victory. Bouye became the Texans' third cornerback on the depth chart after Kevin Johnson broke his foot the previous week and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. On October 24, 2016, Bouye started at nickelback and recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo) and two pass deflections in the Texans' 27–9 loss at the Denver Broncos. He was inactive for the Texans' Week 10 victory at the Jacksonville Jaguars after sustaining an ankle injury in practice two days prior. After an MRI, it was determined he only sustained a sprained ankle and returned the following week.[28] In Week 11, Bouye recorded two combined tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass by Derek Carr during a 27–20 loss at the Oakland Raiders.[29] Bouye had a breakout season in 2016 and finished with a career-high 63 combined tackles (48 solo), 16 pass deflections, an interception, and a sack in 15 games and 11 starts.[20] Bouye earned the third highest grade among all cornerbacks in 2016 from Pro Football Focus.

The Houston Texans finished atop the AFC South with a 9–7 record and clinched a playoff berth. On January 7, 2017, Bouye started his first career playoff game and recorded two combined tackles, four pass deflections, and intercepted a pass attempt by Connor Cook in the Texans' 27–14 victory against the Oakland Raiders. The following week, he made five solo tackles, deflected two passes, and intercepted a pass by Tom Brady during a 34–16 loss to the eventual Super Bowl LI Champions the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.[29]

Bouye became an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season and was one of the most highly sought after free agents on the market. He was pursued by many teams, including the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles.[30][31]

Jacksonville Jaguars

On March 9, 2017, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Bouye to a five-year, $67.5 million contract with $26 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10 million.[5][32][33] Bouye stated he turned down a larger contract offer by the Chicago Bears to join the Jaguars.[34]

2017 season

Head coach Doug Marrone named Bouye the starting cornerback along with Jalen Ramsey entering training camp. Bouye made his Jaguars' regular-season debut in their season-opener at the Houston Texans and recorded six combined tackles and two pass deflections during their 29–7 victory. On November 12, 2017, Bouye recorded four combined tackles, broke up a pass, and returned an interception 51-yards to set up Josh Lambo's 30-yard field goal to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers in overtime by a score of 20–17.[35] He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance.[36] On December 3, 2017, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles during a 30–10 win against the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 14, Bouye recorded two combined tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by quarterback Russell Wilson in a 30–24 win against the Seattle Seahawks.[37] It marked Bouye's first multi-interception game of his career. On December 19, 2017, Bouye was named to his first Pro Bowl as a starter alongside teammate Ramsey.[38] He finished the season with 56 combined tackles (53 solo), a career-high 18 pass deflections, and a career-high six interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[20] Pro Football Focus gave Bouye an overall grade of 88.0, ranking him 12th among all cornerbacks in 2017.[39]

The Jaguars finished first in the AFC South with a 10–6 record. The Jaguars defeated the Buffalo Bills 10–3 in the AFC Wildcard Game and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 45–42 in the AFC Divisional Round. On January 21, 2018, Bouye recorded six solo tackles during a 24–20 loss at the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.[37]

Personal life

Bouye is the cousin of Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown who was the 3rd overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft.[40]

References

  1. "Profile". rostermon.com.
  2. "A.J. Bouye - Central Florida, CB : 2013 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  3. "Texans sign four draft picks, 23 undrafted free agents". nbcsports.com. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
  4. "OvertheCap: A.J. Bouye contract". OvertheCap.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  5. 1 2 "Spotrac.com: A.J. Bouye contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  6. Goldstein, Matt (July 20, 2013). "Projected Houston Texans' Final 53-Man Roster, Training Camp Edition". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  7. "Ourlads.com: Houston Texans' Depth Chart: 07/01/2013". Ourlads.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  8. Roth, Maureen (August 31, 2013). "2013 Houston Texans 53 Man Roster". 247sports.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  9. "NFL Game Center: Week 4-2013: Seattle Seahawks @ Houston Texans". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  10. Associated Press (October 16, 2013). "Houston starting S Manning, CB Bouye out for season with injuries". Foxnews.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  11. Roberson, Dale (August 3, 2014). "A.J. Bouye making most of fresh start after injury-shortened 2013 season". chron.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  12. Sessler, Marc (December 6, 2013). "Texans fire Kubiak amid 'nightmare' season". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  13. Roberson, Dale (August 4, 2014). "Texans open backup CB competition with clean slate". houstonchronicle.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  14. Patterson, Brian (August 30, 2014). "Houston Texans Cut Brandon Harris; Two Others". houseofhouston.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
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  16. Patterson, Brian (September 27, 2014). "Week 4 Injury Report: Buffalo Bills Vs. Houston Texans". houseofhouston.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  17. "NFL Game Center: Week 9-2014: Philadelphia Eagles @ Houston Texans". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  18. "NFL Player stats: A.J. Bouye (2014)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  19. "NFL Game Center: Week 13-2014: Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  20. 1 2 3 4 "NFL Player stats: A.J. Bouye (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  21. Wilson, Aaron (August 12, 2015). "Texans getting their money's worth at nickel back". HoustonChronicle.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  22. "Texans v. Chiefs: New (Unofficial) Houston Texans Depth Chart". battleredblog.com. September 12, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
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  24. "See all of Sunday's injuries". NFL.com. November 22, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
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  26. Ganguli, Tania (March 28, 2016). "Texans corner A.J. Bouye signs his restricted free agent tender". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  27. Sidhu, Deepi (August 23, 2016). "A.J. Bouye goes back to his roots". HoustonTexans.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  28. Wilson, Aaron (November 11, 2016). "Texans report: Injury to A.J. Bouye could prove costly". houstonchronicle com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  29. 1 2 "NFL Player stats: A.J. Bouye (2016)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  30. Gowton, Brandon Lee (March 7, 2017). "Eagles Free Agency Rumors: A.J. Bouye drawing interest from Philadelphia [UPDATE]". bleedinggreennation.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  31. "Jaguars zeroing in on Bears free agent target A.J. Bouye". bearswire.usatoday.com. March 9, 2017. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  32. Orr, Conor (March 9, 2017). "Jaguars reach five-year deal with A.J. Bouye". NFL.com.
  33. Oehser, John (March 10, 2017). "OFFICIAL: A.J. Bouye signs with Jaguars". Jaguars.com. Archived from the original on 2017-03-10. Retrieved 2017-03-11.
  34. Eurich, Matt (January 26, 2018). "A.J. Bouye chose the Jaguars over Bears despite bigger offer". 247sports.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  35. "NFL Game Center: Week 10-2017: Los Angeles Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars". nfl.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  36. Maya, Adam (November 15, 2017). "Tom Brady, Cam Newton among Players of the Week". NFL.com.
  37. 1 2 "NFL Player stats: A.J. Bouye (2017)". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  38. "NFL announces 2018 Pro Bowl rosters". NFL.com. December 19, 2017. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  39. "Pro Football Focus: A.J. Bouye". profootballfocus.com. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  40. "Jaylen Brown of Celtics rooting for Jaguars because his cousin is A.J. Bouye, hopes he 'picks off Brady 3 times'". weei.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
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