Updated Feb. 3, 2026, 8:13 p.m. CT
Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t waste any time making an impact during the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, and it won’t come as a surprise to Bears fans.
Byard, who led the NFL with seven interceptions during the 2025 season, recorded the first takeaway of the Pro Bowl flag football game. He picked off Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders on a tipped pass, and he returned it to the end zone for a pick-6. But the touchdown was called back after a penalty on the NFC.
Last season, Byard had his best year with the Bears, leading the NFL with seven interceptions. He also totaled 93 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight pass breakups en route to being named First-Team All Pro and earning Pro Bowl honors.
Byard is one of four Bears players participating in the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, alongside cornerback Nahshon Wright (also playing in the flag football game) as well as left guard Joe Thuney and center Drew Dalman.
Byard is set to hit free agency next month, but general manager Ryan Poles has made it known that he wants to keep his All Pro safety in Chicago. Byard also wants to return, so we’ll see if both sides can get a deal done.
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