Yesterday, the Chicago Bears announced that quarterback Caleb Williams was their Offensive Player of the Year, so naturally, the Defensive Player of the Year announcement was coming today, and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard III was “Honored” with the honor.
The 32-year-old Byard has played some damn good football since signing with the Navy and Orange in 2024, appearing in all 17 games both years. This season, he was selected to his third Pro Bowl and named First Team All-Pro for the third time. He led the NFL with 7 interceptions, his 93 tackles tied for second on the team, and he added 8 passes defended, a sack, 4 tackles for loss, and 3 QB hits, all while providing exceptional leadership both on and off the field. In the postseason, he chipped in with 10 more tackles and 2 tackles for loss.
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The free agent-to-be has said he’d like to return to Chicago, even calling it his “first choice,” and the Bears are also on board to re-sign him.
“Kevin’s a special player,” general manager Ryan Poles said. “I have no problem saying that’s a player that we would like to have back.”
Chicago’s defense is sure to look different next year, but Byard should be a priority.
