Small towns have their reputations. Some good, some bad, some false, some true. A small town's biggest fable is that it breeds once in a lifetime talents. Some individuals are destined to outgrow the boundaries of their one horse town. They inspire to move outside their city's small boundaries, and change whatever new world awaits them.

Malik Boynton is one of those small town legends. An original product of River Rouge, Boynton has always had a natural talent in athleticism. He participated on travel teams, and little league games across River Rouge. If you were to see, or talk to Malik today, you would find yourself conversing with a hardworking, diligent, and family oriented young man.

It was impossible for this character development to happen over night. With his own mistakes and experiences, it was certainly something Malik took the time to forge himself. Boynton is the oldest child from his mother, Pamella Boynton. Kippriol Boynton stepped up and helped Pamella raise her family. Malik credits him as the man that raised him, and appreciates it to his core. Growing up he did his best to guide and mentor his siblings. As adults, the family has gone their own ways and made their own choices. Malik's driving force is bringing his family together, and placing everyone in the position to better their circumstances.

In 2003, Malik's mother was diagnosed with Cancer. The news devastated the family, but the Boynton's didn't shatter. She held on for seven years, and lost her battle in 2010. The aftermath of this tragedy may be one of Malik's most unstable moments. Shortly after that, his father's job laid him off, and their living situation became unstable. This was when Malik started his career at Melvindale High School.

Malik enrolled into Melvindale at a time where it was taboo to be a black student in the district. His River Rouge background made him a fish out of water. Malik didn't want to settle, or get used to the customs of Melvindale's hallways.

He wanted respect, equality, and an outlet for the stress he carried at home. Sports is where Malik found that outlet. He spent his four years in Melvindale on the basketball, football, baseball, and track teams. He excelled in any uniform he put on his back, but football solidified his reputation as an athlete. His junior year Malik played behind River Rouge affiliate and friend, Daizoun Oliver. Who gave opponents such a stir that Malik was able to create plays for himself. Malik's senior year was a great season to finish off a great career. Many considered him the best athlete in Downriver.

Malik's Melvindale performance earned him a full football scholarship to Austin Peay State University. He started at receiver as a true freshman, earning the second most catches on the year. From there on out Malik was put on defense. His first game at safety his sophomore year he led the team with nine tackles. During his junior year, Malik suffered a near fatal spinal injury that forced him to take a seat. Through these three years and Malik's stellar performances, the Governors only managed to win one game. The team had appointed a new coaching staff, and that staff had appointed Malik as a team captain.

Malik used his people and leadership skills to set a new foundation for the Governors. The new approach got the team a 8-1 record during the 2017-2018 season. Malik graduated from Austin Peay a leader, a record setter, and a pioneer. This was all the momentum he needed to try out for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Although he didn't make the cut, he didn't drop the ball. Boynton made the Memphis Express, an Alliance of American Football League team. Malik was released from the team, quickly afterwards the league was shut down due to bankruptcy. He picked up where he left off, by working out, and earning his way to a spot on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The process was grueling and tugged at Malik's patience, and heart strings. But he was finally offered a solid deal. This is more than an opportunity to play football. It's a ticket for freedom. A ticket Malik earned with the skills and experience that life gave him.

Due to the Covid pandemic, Malik is awaiting orders from his team. He spends his days working, training himself and others, and using his platform to spread knowledge on the system we live in. Boynton's journey won't end until his community and family can enjoy a life that wasn't written in for them. He has worked too hard, and is too determined for his hard work to go in vain.

Xavier Jones - What was the Melvindale experience like for you?

Malik Boynton - It was a huge culture shock. I got into an altercation with another student on my third day. The football team; amongst most of the school, was divided. But all of that was a process. Over time we learned each other, and learned to love each other. It was a process all of us needed, so we could learn how to live in diverse spaces. There were guys I hated when I first got there. By the time we graduated we were going out of the way to speak with each other.

Xavier Jones - How did it feel to be talked about in the "best athlete Downriver" conversation.

Malik Boynton - It was amazing. I've been playing sports in Downriver literally my whole career. It wasn't for an individual sport, but in regards as an all around athlete. It feels good to know your hard work didn't go unnoticed.

Xavier Jones - For the people watching at home, you were a backstage pass to ESPN. What were your true experiences at Austin Peay?

Malik Boynton - I was a superstar, without question I got the superstar treatment. It was great, something I want everybody I've ever met to experience. The cameras and glamour were cool at first. But it started to get to me. It can change who you are, and make it hard to do the job. It's another obstacle that could come with the territory. The lifestyle has just as much good as it does bad. There's no celebrity in me, it was another variable life gave me to adapt to.

Xavier Jones - What goals do you have when it's time to put on that Winnipeg Blue Bombers jersey?

Malik Boynton - Play the game I love, do my job, and be whatever the team needs me to be. Whoever or whatever the person in front of me is, doesn't matter. I have a job to do and a career to fulfill.

Xavier Jones - Once the season starts and your platform is up in motion, do you see your content changing?

Malik celebrates after a play

Malik Boynton - Definitely not! I will always use me, my name and platform to give out information. That's my job, the same way it's my job to play football. The truth needs to be out there and the people in positions to spread it need