Christopher Torvan Board is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the New York Giants of the National Football League. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Board played college football at North Dakota State University, where he established himself as a dominant defender during a successful collegiate career that included multiple national championships. After entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Board has built a steady professional career spanning multiple teams, contributing primarily on special teams while also making his mark as a reserve linebacker. His journey from a high school prospect in Florida to a professional athlete demonstrates his persistence and adaptability in the competitive NFL environment.
Early Life and Background
Christopher Torvan Board was born on July 23, 1995, in Memphis, Tennessee. During his high school years, Board attended Timber Creek High School in Orlando, Florida. His athletic abilities were evident during his time at Timber Creek, where he developed the skills and work ethic that would later carry him to the collegiate level. The transition from Tennessee to Florida exposed Board to different football cultures and competitive environments, helping him grow as both a player and a person.
College Career at North Dakota State
Board continued his football journey at North Dakota State University, where he played for the Bison from 2013 to 2017. His tenure with NDSU proved remarkably successful, as he was part of three FCS national championship teams during his collegiate career. The Bison established themselves as a dominant force in the Football Championship Subdivision during these years, and Board contributed as a defensive player throughout the championship runs.
Playing for a program known for its winning tradition and strong defense helped Board develop into a complete player. The experience of competing in high-stakes championship games prepared him for the mental and physical demands of professional football. His success at North Dakota State also demonstrated that he could perform at the highest levels of college football despite not being recruited by a major Division I program.
Path to the NFL
Despite his collegiate success, Board did not hear his name called during the 2018 NFL Draft. Rather than viewing the draft day disappointment as a career setback, Board remained determined to prove himself at the professional level. His performance at North Dakota State had showcased his abilities to NFL scouts, and several teams recognized his potential as an undrafted free agent prospect. This perseverance would soon pay dividends as he earned an opportunity to continue his football career.
Professional Career
Baltimore Ravens (2018–2021)
Board signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on June 1, 2018. Making an NFL roster as an undrafted player requires exceptional dedication and performance during offseason activities, and Board immediately set about proving he belonged. His efforts were rewarded when he made the Ravens 53-man roster and played in all 16 games during his rookie season. This early success demonstrated his ability to contribute at the professional level and earned him a permanent spot on an NFL team.
The 2020 season brought a milestone moment for Board when he recorded his first two career sacks during Week 16 against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants. The Ravens won that game 27–13, and Board performance stood out as a turning point in his professional development. Achieving multiple sacks in a single game represented a significant personal achievement and showed his capacity to impact games as a pass rusher. His contributions continued throughout the season as the Ravens pursued their playoff ambitions.
Board commitment to the Ravens organization was evident when he signed a one-year contract extension with the team on March 16, 2021. This extension reflected the coaching staff confidence in his abilities and his established role within the defensive rotation. His time in Baltimore had transformed him from an unknown rookie into a reliable NFL player with proven on-field production.
Detroit Lions (2022)
Following his successful tenure in Baltimore, Board joined the Detroit Lions on March 23, 2022, signing a one-year contract. The move to Detroit represented a new chapter in his career, providing him with an opportunity to contribute to a different defensive scheme and organization. Board brought his experience from the Ravens playoff-contending teams to a Lions franchise that was building toward future success. His veteran presence and special teams abilities made him a valuable addition to the Lions roster.
New England Patriots (2023–2024)
Board signed with the New England Patriots on March 22, 2023. During the 2023 season, he played in all 17 games, with his contributions coming exclusively on special teams. Special teams play is often overlooked but represents a crucial aspect of NFL football, and Board reliability in this area kept him on the field week after week. His ability to consistently perform on special teams demonstrated his value beyond traditional defensive statistics and his willingness to do whatever the team needed.
Board was released by the Patriots on March 14, 2024, becoming a free agent and entering a new phase of his professional journey. Despite the roster change, his body of work with New England had reinforced his reputation as a dependable player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. The Patriots decision opened opportunities for Board to explore other options in the league.
Return to Baltimore Ravens (2024)
Board returned to familiar territory when he signed a contract with the Baltimore Ravens on March 19, 2024. Coming back to the organization where he had spent his first four professional seasons allowed Board to reunite with former teammates, coaches, and a defensive system he understood well. The familiarity of the Ravens environment provided a comfortable transition and positioned him to contribute immediately upon his return.
New York Giants (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Board signed a two-year contract worth $6 million with the New York Giants. This signing represented one of the more significant moves in his career, bringing him to a historic franchise with passionate fans and high expectations. The contract reflected the Giants recognition of Board consistent professionalism and his ability to be a reliable contributor across multiple organizations.
Board tenure with the Giants encountered an early challenge when he was placed on injured reserve on September 16, 2025. The injury occurred during New York Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys and affected his chest. This setback temporarily halted his momentum, but the contract secured his place with the organization for the duration of the deal. His recovery and eventual return to the field would be important factors in the Giants defensive depth as the season progressed.
Chris Board Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning multiple seasons, Board has accumulated meaningful statistics that reflect his contributions as a professional linebacker. His career totals demonstrate his ability to make plays against both the run and the pass while also making his presence felt in the opposing backfield. These numbers represent consistent effort across seven NFL seasons with four different franchises.
Career Highlights
Board career statistics through the 2025 season include 158 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and three pass deflections. His standout performance came in Week 16 of the 2020 season when he recorded his first two career sacks on Daniel Jones during a Ravens victory over the New York Giants. This game represented the first multi-sack performance of his professional career and served as a defining moment in his development as an NFL defender.
Special Teams Excellence
Throughout his career, Board has established himself as a valuable special teams performer. His ability to contribute on multiple units in the kicking game has consistently kept him on active rosters despite roster changes across the league. Playing exclusively on special teams during his season with the Patriots, where he appeared in all 17 games, showcased his durability and reliability in this often-underappreciated role. Coaches value players who excel in these situations because of the direct impact special teams can have on game outcomes.
Signature Moments
Beyond his statistical achievements, Board career includes several memorable performances that highlight his impact at the professional level. His first career sacks in 2020 against Daniel Jones represented a breakthrough moment that validated his development since entering the league as an undrafted free agent. The fact that this performance came against the Giants, a team he would later join in 2025, adds an interesting connection to his career narrative.
Legacy and Career Trajectory
Chris Board career exemplifies the value of persistence and adaptability in professional sports. Despite not being drafted in 2018, he has carved out a meaningful NFL career through more than seven seasons with multiple organizations. His journey from Memphis to the FCS national champion North Dakota State Bison to a consistent NFL contributor demonstrates that success in professional sports often comes through determination rather than early recognition alone.
Board contributions extend beyond his on-field statistics to include leadership, professionalism, and the ability to fit into different team cultures. His special teams excellence has been a hallmark of his career, providing value to every organization he has joined. As he continues his career with the Giants, Board brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of reliability that can benefit a young team looking to establish itself as a contender.