Ekow Boye-Doe is a Ghanaian-American professional football cornerback currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 4, 1999, in Accra, Ghana, he immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of three, settling in Lawrence, Kansas. He attended Lawrence High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track. His senior year performance earned him first-team all-state honors as a defensive back, showcasing his athletic prowess and setting the stage for his collegiate and professional career. Known for his speed, agility, and competitive spirit, Boye-Doe has become a notable figure in the NFL, with a journey marked by perseverance and cultural pride.
Siblings
Ekow has at least one sibling, his brother Panyin Boye-Doe, who has played a significant role in supporting Ekow’s endeavors both on and off the field. Panyin, a freelance artist, collaborated with Ekow on a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiative during Ekow’s time at Kansas State University. Together, they designed merchandise for Ekow’s NIL store, featuring his nickname “Pak,” and partnered with Big Lakes, a nonprofit in Manhattan, Kansas, that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This collaboration involved creating shirts with Ekow’s logo and organizing a competition for Big Lakes’ clients, reflecting the brothers’ shared commitment to community service. Inspired by their father’s legacy of helping others, Ekow and Panyin have expressed a desire to continue giving back, with plans to expand their charitable efforts.
Career
Boye-Doe’s football career began at Kansas State University, where he played as a cornerback from 2018 to 2022. After redshirting in 2018, he saw limited action in 2019, recording one tackle in seven games, primarily on special teams. His role expanded in 2020, where he notched 25 tackles, one for a loss, and seven pass deflections. In 2021, he recorded 22 tackles, two for a loss, and one pass deflection, showing steady improvement. His senior year in 2022 was his most productive, with 26 tackles, five pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, earning him honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition.
Despite going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Boye-Doe signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. He spent time on their practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in November 2023. His contributions on special teams helped the Chiefs secure a victory in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers, marking a significant milestone in his career. After being waived by the Chiefs in August 2024, he briefly joined the New York Giants’ practice squad in December 2024 before signing a reserve/future contract with the Arizona Cardinals on January 13, 2025, where he continues to develop as a professional athlete.
Accolades
Throughout his career, Boye-Doe has earned several accolades that highlight his athletic and academic achievements. In high school, he was named a first-team all-state performer by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle, as well as a first-team all-league defensive back and second-team all-league receiver. At Kansas State, he received First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors in 2020, reflecting his commitment to excellence in the classroom.
His standout 2022 season earned him an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection by the conference coaches, recognizing his contributions on the field. Perhaps his most prestigious achievement came in 2024 when he became a Super Bowl champion as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing to their victory in Super Bowl LVIII.