NASHVILLE – Titans safety Kevin Byard is headed back to the Pro Bowl, which shouldn't come as a surprise considering his stellar season.
What might surprise you: No other Titans have been named to the initial Pro Bowl team.
Byard, in his sixth season out of MTSU, becomes a two-time Pro Bowler.
Elected a starter to this year's team, Byard was also named a Pro Bowler in 2017.
The Titans have also been informed seven other players (in no particular order) are alternates for the 2022 Pro Bowl – defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, outside linebacker Harold Landry, long snapper Morgan Cox, left tackle Taylor Lewan, guard Rodger Saffold, defensive lineman Denico Autry and linebacker/special teams ace Ola Adeniyi.
Byard was the top vote-getter among safeties in the fan portion of the Pro Bowl process, which also takes into account votes from players and coaches. Simmons, Adeniyi and Cox were also second in the fan votes at their respective positions, while Landry was third in the fan vote.
In 14 starts this season, Byard has been credited with 73 tackles, five interceptions, one force fumble, one fumble recovery, one tackle for a loss, and 13 passes defended.
Byard scored a touchdown on a fumble return against the Jaguars, and he returned an interception for a touchdown in the team's win over the Rams. Byard also set up the game-winning scoring drive in overtime by intercepting quarterback Carson Wentz in an October win over the Colts in Indianapolis.
Many believed Landry (11 sacks) and Simmons (7.5 sack) from the team's defense would be selected, along with potentially others, but instead they joined the team's long list of alternates.
Roster selections for the Pro Bowl were determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group's vote counts one-third toward determining the 88 All-Star players.
The 2022 Pro Bowl will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 6, at 2 p.m. CST and will be televised on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and simulcast on ABC. Tickets are available now on ProBowl.com and will allow fans special benefits on gameday including access to the Pro Bowl Red Carpet and other family friendly activities.
The Titans face the 49ers on Thursday night at Nissan Stadium.
