Foxborough, Massachusetts – The New England Patriots’ 28–16 victory over the Houston Texans not only sent the team to the AFC Championship Game, but also created a new focal point across the NFL: Kayshon Boutte. With an explosive showing and a one-handed touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, Boutte ignited Gillette Stadium — and immediately after the game, he was selected by the NFL to undergo a doping test, a detail that quickly drew attention.
KAYSHON BOUTTE WHAT A CATCH FOR THE PATRIOTS TD 🤯🤯🤯🤯
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 18, 2026
Before kickoff, Boutte did not hide his confidence. He openly stated that he had no fear of the Texans’ defense — one of the most complete units in the NFL this season — and specifically targeted Derek Stingley Jr., the All-Pro cornerback known for shutting down big plays. “They play physical, but so do I. That’s a matchup I like,” Boutte said before the game, a statement that sounded more like a challenge than routine playoff talk.
On the field, Boutte “signed his name” to those words with the defining moment of the night. As the Texans still clung to hope behind their resilient defense, Boutte delivered a 32-yard one-handed touchdown in the fourth quarter, directly against Stingley. It was a play that was both daring and ruthless — widely viewed as the play of the game, the dagger that ended Houston’s resistance. “You couldn’t draw up a better playoff moment than that,” a member of the Patriots’ coaching staff said after the game.
Because of that standout performance, Kayshon Boutte was required by the NFL to undergo a doping test immediately after leaving the field. According to league sources, he was among the players selected following the game — a process that often accompanies especially explosive and physical performances. The testing was conducted strictly according to protocol and did not involve any formal accusation or suspicion. “That’s what happens when you play at the highest level,” an internal Patriots source noted.
Amid the speculation, the NFL also clarified that this is a completely standard procedure at competitions organized by the league. After each game, a number of players are randomly selected to undergo doping tests in order to ensure fairness and transparency. For the Patriots, that detail did nothing to overshadow the win — instead, it underscored just how dominant Boutte was. New England is now only one win away from the Super Bowl, moving forward with the belief that it has a true playmaker capable of making history.
