Kevin Byard, the latest addition to the Bears' safety roster, divulges the secret behind his remarkable streak of staying injury-free.
In the NFL, injuries are an inevitability. However, Kevin Byard, the new free safety for the Bears, stands out for his exceptional durability.
Since joining the league in 2016, Byard has earned a reputation as one of the premier ball-hawking defensive backs. What's truly remarkable is that throughout his eight seasons, he has never missed a game, and according to him, he has never missed a practice either, aside from taking time off for the birth of his children.
"I thought I'd get some veteran days off, but I guess they haven't materialized just yet," Byard quipped.
Byard takes pride in his reliability, seeing it as a way to earn the respect of his new teammates. However, he also acknowledges the role of luck in staying injury-free.
"Mike Vrabel [former Titans coach] used to always tell the team there's a 100 percent guaranteed injury rate. At some point, you're going to get injured, hurt, banged up, whatever it may be. I've been blessed."
Despite the element of luck, Byard believes that good preparation contributes to good fortune. He emphasizes the importance of off-field activities such as recovery and nutrition in maintaining his physical condition.
"When it comes to off the field, recovery, nutrition, doing all those things," Byard said, "I think that's something that not necessarily I can bring to the team or bring to the guys, but watching me how I take care of my body and things like that. They say availability is your best ability. That's been one of my best abilities for sure."
The Bears recently signed Byard to a reported two-year, $15 million deal. He will be replacing Eddie Jackson as Jaquan Brisker's partner in the defensive backfield. Byard, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler, boasts an impressive track record with 28 interceptions, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.
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