KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sometimes you have to wait on respect and sometimes it comes right on time. Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard was snubbed for the Pro Bowl last month, but he received a sweet honor Friday, being named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press.
Titans coach Mike Mularkey delivered the good news to Byard and the entire team following Friday's walkthrough. They erupted in celebration. Byard has been the Titans' MVP this season.
"It's crazy. It's a blessing," Byard told ESPN via phone as he walked out of the Titans' facility. "I feel like the sky is the limit. I had eight picks this year. I feel I can get 10 next year."
Byard led the NFL with 10 takeaways and he finished as the NFL's interceptions co-leader with eight. The second-year safety out of Middle Tennessee State is on a rapid path to stardom in his first full season as a starter, and his impact goes far beyond the turnovers.
"I knew I was having an All-Pro year. It sucks being snubbed for the Pro Bowl. But I'll take All-Pro all day," said Byard, who edged out Seahawks safety Earl Thomas for the second safety spot on the first-team. Vikings safety Harrison Smith received the other spot. "That's having the utmost respect, especially looking at the guys on the list."
This is the second consecutive season that a player drafted by Titans general manager Jon Robinson has made first-team All-pro. Right tackle Jack Conklin made it after his stellar 2016 season as a rookie.
Titans punter Brett Kern was named second-team All-Pro. Rams' punter Johnny Hekker was the first-team All-Pro punter. Kern led the NFL in punting average and net punting average. He also made his first Pro Bowl.
Conklin, left tackle Taylor Lewan and cornerback Logan Ryan also received votes. A national panel of 50 media members vote upon the teams.
