Career Timeline of Kevin Byard: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kevin Byard built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kevin Byard is an American professional football safety currently playing for the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft after playing college football at Middle Tennessee State University. Byard achieved Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors in 2017, during which he co-led the league in interceptions. In that same year, he also led the NFL in takeaways with a total of 10.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 22, 2015: Accepted Senior Bowl Invitation

On November 22, 2015, Kevin Byard announced on Twitter his acceptance to play in the 2016 Senior Bowl.

March 31, 2016: Participated in Middle Tennessee's Pro Day

On March 31, 2016, Kevin Byard participated in Middle Tennessee's pro day, surprising scouts with his 40-yard dash time.

July 18, 2016: Signed with the Tennessee Titans

On July 18, 2016, Kevin Byard signed a four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans for $3.63 million.

September 11, 2016: NFL Regular Season Debut

On September 11, 2016, Kevin Byard made his professional regular season debut for the Tennessee Titans against the Minnesota Vikings.

November 13, 2016: First Career Start and Sack

On November 13, 2016, Kevin Byard earned his first career start and recorded his first career sack against Aaron Rodgers.

2016: Drafted by the Tennessee Titans

In 2016, Kevin Byard was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the NFL draft.

October 1, 2017: First Career Interception

On October 1, 2017, Kevin Byard made his first career interception against the Houston Texans.

October 22, 2017: Three Interceptions and AFC Defensive Player of the Week

On October 22, 2017, Kevin Byard recorded three interceptions against the Cleveland Browns, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

2017: Starting Free Safety

In 2017, Kevin Byard was named the starting free safety for the Tennessee Titans.

2017: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection

In 2017, Kevin Byard was selected to the Pro Bowl and the first-team All-Pro. He was also the co-leader for the most interceptions in the NFL.

December 31, 2017: Two Interceptions and AFC Defensive Player of the Week

On December 31, 2017, Kevin Byard recorded two interceptions against the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

January 6, 2018: First NFL Playoff Game

On January 6, 2018, Kevin Byard started in his first NFL playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

January 21, 2018: First Pro Bowl Selection

On January 21, 2018, Kevin Byard earned his first career Pro Bowl selection as an injury replacement.

September 30, 2018: Season-High Tackles

On September 30, 2018, Kevin Byard racked up a season-high 11 combined tackles during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

July 24, 2019: Signed Contract Extension

On July 24, 2019, Kevin Byard signed a five-year contract extension with the Tennessee Titans, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

December 29, 2019: Secured Win Against Texans with Interception

On December 29, 2019, Kevin Byard tied his season-high of six solo tackles and helped secure a win against the Houston Texans with a late interception.

January 11, 2020: Intercepted Pass against the Ravens

On January 11, 2020, Kevin Byard intercepted a pass during the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens.

January 19, 2020: AFC Championship Game

On January 19, 2020, Kevin Byard played in the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

September 14, 2020: Season-Opener against the Broncos

On September 14, 2020, Kevin Byard started in the Tennessee Titans' season-opener against the Denver Broncos, leading the team in tackles.

January 29, 2021: Shane Bowen promoted to defensive coordinator

On January 29, 2021, Mike Vrabel promoted Shane Bowen to defensive coordinator. Bowen retained Byard as the starting free safety.

October 10, 2021: First Career Touchdown and Victory Against Jacksonville Jaguars

On October 10, 2021, Byard made 11 combined tackles, two pass deflections, an interception, and scored his first career touchdown after recovering a fumble forced by Elijah Molden, returning it for 30 yards in a 37-19 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

October 31, 2021: Secured Victory Against Indianapolis Colts

On October 31, 2021, Byard secured a 34-31 victory against the Indianapolis Colts after intercepting a pass by Carson Wentz in overtime, leading to Randy Bullock's game-winning field goal.

September 11, 2022: Season-High Tackles Against New York Giants

On September 11, 2022, in the Tennessee Titans' home-opener, Byard collected a season-high 12 combined tackles during a 21–20 loss against the New York Giants.

December 29, 2022: Season-High Interceptions Against Dallas Cowboys

On December 29, 2022, Byard had six combined tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and set a season-high with two interceptions on passes thrown by Dak Prescott during a 27–13 loss against the Dallas Cowboys.

July 21, 2023: Contract Restructure with Tennessee Titans

On July 21, 2023, the Tennessee Titans and Byard agreed to restructure his contract, with Byard signing a new two-year, $25.10 million contract.

September 17, 2023: Led Titans in Tackles During Victory Against Los Angeles Chargers

On September 17, 2023, Byard led the Tennessee Titans with 12 combined tackles during a 27–24 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Chargers.

October 23, 2023: Traded to Philadelphia Eagles

On October 23, 2023, the Tennessee Titans traded Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for draft picks and safety Terrell Edmunds.

November 20, 2023: First Interception as an Eagle

On November 20, 2023, Byard recorded eight solo tackles and had his first interception as an Eagle, picking off a pass by Patrick Mahomes in a 21–17 win against the Kansas City Chiefs.

March 1, 2024: Released by Philadelphia Eagles

On March 1, 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles officially released Byard, making him an unrestricted free agent.

March 10, 2024: Signed with Chicago Bears

On March 10, 2024, Byard signed with the Chicago Bears to a two-year, $15.00 million contract.

October 6, 2024: Interception Against Carolina Panthers

On October 6, 2024, Byard made his only interception of the season on a pass thrown by Andy Dalton during a 36–10 victory against the Carolina Panthers.