Tajh Boyd on Dabo Swinney: ‘What he says is sincere’

Former Clemson QB Tajh Boyd reacts to Dabo Swinney comments

Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney held a press conference earlier this week and was asked about his feelings, thoughts and reactions on the current landscape of the nation pertaining to race relations and the death of George Floyd.

Swinney told the media it was important for him to listen and not just react. He also went on to say that he approaches things from the perspective of his faith and that we all have a choice as to how we think, how we love, how we respond and how we forgive.

"“There’s no question these are challenging times, but what I’ve learned is when there is no challenge there is no change. We all have to accept the challenge,” Swinney said."

Dabo Swinney also expressed his belief that the best way for him to make change is to care for his players so that they can, in turn, go out and change the world.

Boyd believes that Dabo Swinney is sincere

Many throughout the nation expressed their concerns that Dabo Swinney’s comments missed the mark and that was only amplified with a situation that came to light regarding Clemson Assistant Coach Danny Pearman three years ago, which was reported and detailed by The State’s Matt Connolly.

Though there were many questions, former Tiger QB Tajh Boyd said he believes what Swinney says is sincere and comes from a place of love.

"“What he said I believe is sincere,” Boyd said in a radio interview with Golic and Wingo. “Coach Swinney loves at such a deep level. It’s hard for him to sometimes see what everything looks like. But the most important thing is he takes heed to what’s being said and he listens. If you look at his surrounding cast, some of his most wise council are African-American men. There are coaches within his circle and people on his staff that can help him understanding the conversation being had right now. People are fighting and screaming for acknowledgement.”"

Boyd, a former All-American, played four seasons under Dabo Swinney and was instrumental in helping building the Clemson football program. He finished his collegiate career completing 64.3 percent of his passes for a program-record 11,904 passing yards and 107 touchdowns to just 39 interceptions.

Boyd will most be remembered for being one of the key contributors in helping take the program to the next level with several key wins, including a Chick-fil-A Bowl win over LSU, an Orange Bowl victory over Ohio State and a 2013 season-opening win against No.5-ranked Georgia.

Dabo Swinney has faced criticism for his comments about Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem a couple of years ago, but said this week that those were too harsh. Boyd said that Swinney is open and has done a great job of loving his players and working to provide the best environment for them.

"“He’s real, 85 percent of the team is black,” Boyd said. “You know, sometimes, what he said comes off a little cloudy and a lot of people resent what he said because of the Kaepernick situation and where we’re at now. The only way to understand is through education. He’s not disregarding anybody’s messages from the team. I know a couple former black players who are now pastors who have reached out to him.”"

During his time as the Head Coach, Swinney has implemented several programs to prepare his players for the next level, not just in football but for life after sports.