The Associated Press

DENVER – Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver and former Ohio State standout David Boston saw his first NFL action Saturday night.

Tuesday, August 17, 1999

DENVER – Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver and former Ohio State standout David Boston saw his first NFL action Saturday night. Having his father just a few feet away made it even more special.

Byron Boston, the line judge in the Cardinals-Broncos game, became the first father in NFL history to officiate one of his son’s games.

Jerry Seeman, the league’s senior director of officiating, said the league supported the pairing during the preseason because ”it’s something that’s never occurred,” but said it won’t occur during the regular season.

”I had a special feeling,” said David Boston, the Cardinals’ first-round draft pick from Ohio State. ”I was excited there was a member of my family out there. I saw him officiating like he always does.

”I tried to concentrate on doing my thing. I can’t be out there watching him, the game goes too fast. I thought I was going to be a lot more nervous than I was.”

Boston, who started the game, finished with two catches for 16 yards in the Cardinals’ 38-7 loss.

The father and son talked before the game, but not during it.

”There is so much going on during the game,” the elder Boston said. ”It is difficult and would be a distraction for me and would be a distraction for him.

”He caught his first pass right in front of me, and that was exciting. He didn’t throw the ball back to me (as he was supposed to). He caught his second pass in front of me, too, and that time he did throw it to me.

”It was a very exciting time for my family and for me to get the chance to officiate the first game my son plays in the NFL. I wouldn’t want to do it every week.”

Byron Boston vowed to closely follow his son’s pro career.

”I set up my DirecTV and tape all the games,” he said. ”I have two receivers, and I will tape his and my game. I will watch my game as an official. I will watch his game as a father.”