New England Patriots star Kayshon Boutte has delivered a raw and emotional account of a gambling addiction that spiralled out of control, nearly costing him his professional football career.
From LSU Promise to a Downward Spiral
In a powerful essay for The Players' Tribune titled 'How The Hell Did I Get Here', the 23-year-old wide receiver detailed how his troubles began during his time at Louisiana State University (LSU). A serious ankle injury left him sidelined, and he soon found a dangerous outlet. "I was 20. I was at LSU. Full ride. Whole future ahead of me. And I didn’t care at all," Boutte confessed.
His habit quickly became an all-consuming obsession. He described waking up and betting immediately, staying up late to wager, and even placing bets in the middle of the night due to insomnia. "Any little money I had, it was going straight to FanDuel," he wrote. The compulsive need to chase losses defined his addiction: "When you lose, and you’re an addict, there’s this voice... I GOTTA get my money back."
Hitting Rock Bottom and Facing the Consequences
The addiction reached its devastating climax when Boutte gambled himself into complete financial ruin. He estimates he deposited around $90,000 of his own money and lost every penny. "I gambled until I was completely broke," he stated, describing the hollow moment of seeing "$0.00" on the betting app.
His off-field issues came to a head in January 2024, when an arrest warrant was issued for him in connection with an online gambling investigation. It was alleged he had placed 8,900 wagers while underage. However, in a turn of events, all gambling charges against Boutte were dropped in July 2024.
A Path to Redemption With the Patriots' Support
Following his "rock bottom" moment, Boutte credits his father with inspiring him to turn his life around. He also expressed profound gratitude to the New England Patriots organisation for standing by him when his past resurfaced. "How many of those 32 teams would’ve just walked away at that point? Especially from a sixth-round pick. But the organization knew my heart, and they stuck by me," Boutte said.
His candid revelation comes just days before the Patriots begin their playoff campaign against the Los Angeles Chargers. On the field, Boutte has built on an impressive season, making 14 appearances in 2024 with 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns, proving his commitment to rebuilding his career both professionally and personally.
