History of Kevin Byard in Timeline
Kevin Leon Byard III is an American football safety for the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2016 after playing college football at Middle Tennessee State. Byard quickly became a star, leading the NFL in takeaways and interceptions in 2017, earning him Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.
1976: Mike Haynes' Five Interceptions in Two Games
Mike Haynes showcased his defensive prowess in 1976 by intercepting five passes in just two games, setting a high bar for defensive backs in the NFL.
1978: Willie Buchanon's Five Interceptions in Two Games
Willie Buchanon etched his name in NFL history in 1978 by achieving five interceptions in two games, a testament to his exceptional ball-hawking skills.
1985: Albert Lewis Achieves Five Interceptions in Two Games
Albert Lewis joined an elite group of defensive backs in 1985 by recording five interceptions in just two games, solidifying his place in NFL history.
August 17, 1993: Birth of Kevin Byard
Kevin Leon Byard III was born on August 17, 1993. This marks the beginning of his life and journey to becoming a prominent figure in American football.
2003: Tyrone Calico Drafted by the Titans
In 2003, Tyrone Calico was drafted by the Tennessee Titans, setting a precedent for future Middle Tennessee State players like Kevin Byard to enter the NFL.
2010: DeAngelo Hall's Five Interceptions in Two Games
In 2010, DeAngelo Hall achieved a rare feat by recording five interceptions in a span of two games, showcasing the impact a defensive back can have on the game.
2011: Redshirt Year at Middle Tennessee
Kevin Byard redshirted his first year at Middle Tennessee in 2011, which is a strategic move to extend his eligibility and prepare for his college football career.
2012: Start of College Football Career at Middle Tennessee
Kevin Byard's journey in college football began in 2012 when he played for the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, where he would go on to have a record-setting career.
2013: Earns Honorable Mention All-Conference USA Honors
Kevin Byard's talent and performance on the field earned him recognition in 2013 when he received Honorable Mention All-Conference USA honors, showcasing his rising potential in college football.
2014: Named First-Team All-Conference USA
Kevin Byard's exceptional skills were acknowledged in 2014 when he was named First-team All-Conference USA, a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game.
May 2015: Graduation from Middle Tennessee State University
In May 2015, Kevin Byard graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in liberal studies, marking the culmination of his academic journey alongside his successful college football career.
November 22, 2015: Accepts Invitation to the Senior Bowl
On November 22, 2015, Kevin Byard took a significant step towards the NFL by accepting an invitation to play in the prestigious Senior Bowl, showcasing his skills to a wider audience of scouts and NFL teams.
March 31, 2016: Impressive Performance at Middle Tennessee Pro Day
Kevin Byard impressed scouts and analysts with his performance at the Middle Tennessee Pro Day on March 31, 2016, demonstrating his athleticism and skills, which played a crucial role in his journey to the NFL draft.
July 18, 2016: Signs Rookie Contract with the Titans
Kevin Byard officially began his professional career with the Tennessee Titans on July 18, 2016, when he signed his rookie contract, solidifying his place in the NFL.
2016: Drafted by the Tennessee Titans
In 2016, Kevin Byard's professional football career began when he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the NFL draft. This marked his entry into the NFL.
October 1, 2017: First Career Interception
On October 1, 2017, Kevin Byard achieved a career milestone by recording his first career interception in a game against the Houston Texans, showcasing his playmaking abilities as a safety.
October 22, 2017: Three-Interception Game Earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week
Kevin Byard's exceptional performance on October 22, 2017, which included three interceptions in a single game, earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award, highlighting his impact on the field.
2017: Breakout Season with the Titans
Kevin Byard had a breakout year in 2017, his second season in the NFL. He earned a Pro Bowl selection, was named a first-team All-Pro, and led the league in interceptions, solidifying his place as a top safety in the NFL.
2017: Named Starting Free Safety for the Titans
In 2017, Kevin Byard's role in the Titans' defense was elevated when he was named the starting free safety, a testament to his growing potential and impact on the team.
December 31, 2017: Two-Interception Game and AFC Defensive Player of the Week Honors
Kevin Byard's consistent excellence was on display on December 31, 2017, when he recorded two interceptions in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning him his second AFC Defensive Player of the Week award of the season.
January 6, 2018: First NFL Playoff Game
Kevin Byard's postseason journey began on January 6, 2018, when he started in his first NFL playoff game, marking a significant step in his career.
January 21, 2018: Selected to First Pro Bowl
Kevin Byard's outstanding 2017 season was further rewarded on January 21, 2018, when he was selected to his first Pro Bowl as an injury replacement, solidifying his status as one of the league's best safeties.
December 22, 2018: Key Interception in Win Against Redskins
Kevin Byard's impact on the Titans' defense was evident on December 22, 2018, when he made a crucial late-game interception in a victory against the Washington Redskins, securing the win for his team.
2018: Byard Marries Clarke Conner
Kevin Byard and his girlfriend, Clarke Conner, tied the knot in 2018.
July 24, 2019: Signs Record-Breaking Contract Extension
Kevin Byard's exceptional performance on the field was rewarded on July 24, 2019, when he signed a five-year contract extension with the Titans worth $70.5 million, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time.
August 22, 2019: Byard Welcomes Daughter
On August 22, 2019, Kevin Byard and his wife, Clarke, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Eliana Rose.
2019: Strong Season with Five Interceptions
Kevin Byard continued to be a force in the Titans' secondary in 2019, recording five interceptions and showcasing his playmaking abilities throughout the season.
2020: Byard's 2020 Season
During the 2020 NFL season, Kevin Byard showcased his defensive prowess, leading the Tennessee Titans with an impressive 111 total tackles (79 solo). He also forced a fumble and intercepted a pass, demonstrating his well-rounded skillset.
2021: Byard's Stellar 2021 Season
In 2021, Kevin Byard had a standout year, securing 88 total tackles, five interceptions (including two returned for touchdowns), and 13 passes defended. His exceptional performance earned him Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.
2022: Byard Leads Titans in Tackles and Interceptions
Kevin Byard continued to be a defensive force in 2022, starting all 17 games and leading the Tennessee Titans in both total tackles (108) and interceptions (4). His consistent performance solidified his role as a key player on the team.
2022: Byard Ranked Among NFL's Top Players
Kevin Byard's consistent excellence was recognized by his peers in 2022 when he was ranked 34th on the NFL Top 100 Players list, a testament to his impact on the field.
October 23, 2023: Byard Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles
In a significant trade on October 23, 2023, the Tennessee Titans sent Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Titans received a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft in exchange for Byard and safety Terrell Edmunds.
March 1, 2024: Eagles Release Byard
On March 1, 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles made the decision to release Kevin Byard from their roster.
March 10, 2024: Byard Signs with the Chicago Bears
Shortly after his release from the Eagles, Kevin Byard found a new home with the Chicago Bears, signing a two-year contract on March 10, 2024.
2024: Byard Trade Involves 2024 Draft Picks
The trade that sent Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles involved future draft picks. The Tennessee Titans received a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft as part of the deal.