Kevin Byard

Kevin Byard's Biography

Kevin Leon Byard III, popularly known as Kevin Byard, was born on August 17, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Byard’s journey into fame was not a bed of roses. The divorce of his parents at the tender age of 14 led him, alongside his mother and siblings, from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Georgia.

He enrolled and spent his high school years at Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Lithonia, Georgia, where he actively participated in sports activities, particularly football and track. Young Byard’s athletic performance began turning heads.

Following his high school graduation, Byard went on to Middle Tennessee State University, a place he would call home from 2012 to 2015. His freshman year was a redshirt season for Byard, and he did not remain in the background for very long. In 2013, Byard earned Honorable Mention All-Conference USA honors. The following two years were monumental for the budding football safety. He was named First-team All-Conference USA during both the 2014 and 2015 seasons. His career at Middle Tennessee State University, totaling 19 interceptions, made him the proud record holder for the highest number of interceptions in the school’s history. In 2015, Byard successfully graduated with a degree in liberal studies.

As his college career wound down, Byard was invited to play in the 2016 Senior Bowl, an invitation he warmly accepted. He significantly impressed the audience and critics during the practice sessions leading to the Senior Bowl, all thanks to his ball-hawking and athletic skills. Although he was not among the chosen 60 defensive backs invited to the NFL combine, Byard stood out during Middle Tennessee’s pro day by surprising many with his speed. This caught the attention of team representatives and scouts from 24 NFL teams, particularly the Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans.

Determined to make a mark in his career, Byard had official private visits and workouts with several NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Titans, and Los Angeles Rams. His determination and hard work paid off when he was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round, 64th overall, of the 2016 NFL draft. This was a significant moment for him and his college as he became the 24th player from Middle Tennessee State to be drafted into the league and the highest since Tyrone Calico’s selection in 2003.

The Titans rewarded Byard’s budding talent with a four-year, $3.63 million contract. Having completed his rookie season with 58 tackles, one sack, and four pass deflections in seven starts and 16 games, he began his professional career on an impressive trajectory. His second season was even more promising as he emerged as the NFL leader in interceptions. He was also named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro First team.

In the years that followed, Byard steadily rose and shone regardless of the odds. Defying all expectations, he broke more records and was handsomely rewarded with awards and recognitions, including the highest-paid safety in NFL history title after signing a five-year extension worth $70.5 million with the Titans in 2019.

The Titans eventually traded Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. However, the Eagles released him after a few months. In 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears, where he continued his inspiring journey in the NFL.

Off the field, Byard is a family man. In 2018, he tied the knot with his girlfriend, Clarke Conner. Their daughter, Eliana Rose, was born a year later. Byard is a devout Christian and has been nicknamed “The Mayor of Murfreesboro” after his college town.