Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard was one of two safeties (along with Minnesota's Harrison Smith) named to the NFL's first-team All-Pro roster this past season. The 24-year-old Byard had eight interceptions in a career season with the Titans.
That does not, however, mean he's already a household name, as Hall of Fame corner Deion Sanders illustrated on Tuesday night. It started with a quote from Sanders about Tyrann Mathieu, who recently signed with the Texans, being the best safety in the NFL.
.@DeionSanders is a big fan of the @HoustonTexans' latest DB addition 👀
📺: 21st & Prime pic.twitter.com/yodMhTJ9hF
Byard took offense to it and called Sanders out.
How do you make this statement and not include the two first team AP All Pro safeties?? 🤔 @DeionSanders #INeedAnswers https://t.co/HzRaV3h85g
Sanders' response was...cringeworthy. Clearly unaware of Byard's identity, Sanders called him a "fan."
You're looking at who writers tell u who's the best I know who players and former players feel is the best. I rest my case. You continue to be a fan and i will continue being the man. #Truth https://t.co/gnpwJHjxEK
Byard clapped back with a reasonable response.
But the numbers nor film add up. How do you overlook guys like Harrison Smith, Earl Thomas, and Eric Berry as not being the best in the game? I never said I was the best but I’m on my way. You continue to be a fan and I will continue going to the pro bowl and being great #Truth https://t.co/s099lNjiq2
It appears he's using the awkward exchange as motivation.
And if you didn’t know, I am a CURRENT player who watches a ton of film so trust me, I know who’s balling and who is not. Talking about be a fan 😂 https://t.co/s099lNjiq2
@KB31_Era we'll print this out for you. pic.twitter.com/g6aSkomp4W
No need you guys.. It’s already screenshot on my lock screen #Motivation https://t.co/NTAmMytjwg
He called me a fan tho bro 😂 #triedme https://t.co/G0E9RjWyih
The Jags' Jalen Ramsey, one of the NFL's other great young defensive backs, had Byard's back.
Man bump that! Talk that talk KB! You know you a beast, a whole lot of others know it too Trust me! You supposed to believe you the best! & You got the film to back it up! Everybody got opinions but just keep giving facts bro! https://t.co/dIegdgAnWi
Come on, Prime Time.
