NASHVILLE – Love trumps hate, no matter the race.
That's the message Titans safety Kevin Byard delivered while appearing on the Jim Rome Show on Wednesday.
One day after Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said he's had a number of conversations this week with players in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, and the protests that have followed across the country, Byard said those conversations have proven to be valuable, no matter how comfortable they might be.
"First and foremost, my condolences go out to George Floyd and his family," Byard said. "When things like this happen, those conversations definitely spark up. It's something that can be uncomfortable, but I think it is something that needs to happen. Just recently, our locker room and our staff and everybody, we are all having conversations, really great conversations. And I think that is good."
Vrabel said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk, General Manager Jon Robinson and players have shared their feelings on the subject. Vrabel said it's important to respect each other to make a positive change in society.
Byard stressed the importance of education for everyone.
"A lot of times we are out here searching for answers -- everybody is looking for ways they can help and ways they can do certain things," Byard said. "But if you educate yourself on the history of black people … and if you really understand the history, you would have more understanding of why people are so upset with police brutality and then you would be able to be more empathetic with what is going on.
"You have Google and so much information in the world, and if we educate ourselves with what is going on. … When I talk to my people, black people, if you educate yourself with what is going on, know who you are, you can find ways to be able to advance yourself. Talk to your family and find ways to advance our race honesty."
Vrabel said the common goal is inclusion, diversity, equality, and opportunity.
Byard hopes in time, the world will be a better place because of the actions of everyone.
"Do everything in love -- hate doesn't cure anything," Byard said. "Do everything in love, and love on one another no matter what race you are. That is my message."
A look back at safety Kevin Byard's 2019 season that saw him lead the team for the third consecutive season and tie for fourth in the NFL with five interceptions. (Photos: Donald Page)