Kevin Byard excited to join ‘hungry’ Bears defense

Byard watches a lot of tape and is already familiar with his new teammates. He named several of them, mentioning the individual strengths of fellow defensive backs Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker, as well as defensive end Montez Sweat. Byard and Sweat attended rival high schools in the Atlanta area three years apart.

“I see a hungry defense,” Byard said. “I see guys who want to be successful. I see guys having fun together, making plays. You want to be part of something like that. That’s what’s exciting for me. Just having a lot of pieces already in place on this defense, I can just come in and do what I need to do to help this team and help this defense take it to the next level.”

In Byard, the Bears are adding a ninth-year pro who has appeared in 130 games with 121 starts and has recorded 749 tackles, 28 interceptions, 66 pass breakups, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, 15 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks and two defensive touchdowns. His 28 interceptions are tied for the fifth most among active NFL players and would rank fifth in Bears history behind Gary Fencik (38), Richie Petitbon (37), Charles Tillman (36) and Donnell Woolford (32).

Byard also brings incredible durability to Chicago; he’s never missed a game or even a practice due to an injury during his NFL career. He told reporters that the only time he’s missed practice has been for the births of his three children.

“I’ve been blessed,” Byard said. “I take body maintenance and my career very seriously when it comes to off the field, recovery, nutrition, doing all those things … They say availability is your best ability. That’s been one of my best abilities, for sure.”