Bears safety Kevin Byard reacts to Pro Bowl selection and gives the perfect message to teammate Nahshon Wright after being snubbed
The Chicago Bears veteran continues to show why he’s one of the best leaders in the NFL.
It’s been quite the day for Chicago Bears veteran safety Kevin Byard while getting prepped for the Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Earlier on Tuesday, Byard was selected to the 2025 Pro Bowl and recognized for another strong season in his 10th-year in the NFL. It’s his third career selection to the Pro Bowl and certainly not something he intends to overlook.
Kevin Byard reacts to earning 3rd career Pro Bowl nod
“To be able to close in on a decade in this league, it don’t take it for granted at all,” Byard told reporters. “That’s why I’ve always said that I just try to take this day-by-day and just be very appreciative of the position that I’m in to be playing, obviously doing it a high level means more. But, man, I’m just having a lot of fun. I think that’s what it’s all about.”
Pro Bowl recognition wasn’t the only honor Byard received on Tuesday. The veteran was also named as this year’s winner of the Jeff Dickerson Good Guy Award, a unanimous selection by the Bears media for helping make their job easier. Personally, he’s more than deserved this honor as well.
“That’s definitely an awesome award,” Byard said. “Honestly, every single day I just try to be as authentic as I possibly can. I try to be a good human being and just try to be the same person every day.”
Both honors could not be bestowed on a better person and better player. Byard is a tremendous person and the Bears are fortunate to have someone like him in the organization. In both his years in Chicago, Byard was selected as a team captain and every day handles himself like the ultimate pro.
After reacting to his own awards earned on Tuesday, Byard made sure to give his flowers to fellow defensive back Nahshon Wright, who many believed was snubbed from the Pro Bowl roster this season and shared some valuable words for Wright.
Kevin Byard gives valuable insight to Nahshon Wright after being snubbed from the Pro Bowl
“I already talked to him. I told him, in my opinion, I think he has a first-team All-Pro honor on the way,” Byard explained. “My second year in the league, went I went first-team All-Pro, I was a second alternate (to the Pro Bowl). So, I’ve talked to him about it. I’ve been in your position, I’ve had years where I thought I should have got in and other guys got in. I’m not necessarily saying that those guys didn’t have good years, but he has a first-team All-Pro that’s on the way. In my opinion, that’s honestly more important to me.”
It’s a great message to help uplift his teammate because I’m sure Wright was feeling a little down today after not making the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Instead, the four spots went to Carolina Panthers Jaycee Horn, Seattle Seahawks’ Devon Witherspoon, and two Philadelphia Eagles in Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell.
Wright’s play certainly was deserving of a Pro Bowl nod after leading the NFL in takeaways and ranking second in the NFL in interceptions, trailing only Byard.
“He’s had a great year,” Byard added. “Obviously, he’s disappointed but at the end of the day, we have bigger and better things that we can still accomplish. That’s what we’re focused on.”
Those comments goes to show the kind of leader Byard truly is. He’ll continue to go to bat for his teammates while also making sure everyone keeps the main thing the main thing.
Chicago Bears News
NFC North star speaks out in defense of Chicago Bears CB Nahshon Wright after being snubbed from the NFC Pro Bowl roster
The disrespect for Nahshon Wright was a travesty.
