Tennessee Titans: Does Kevin Byard value football over family?

Kevin Byard’s wife gave birth early Thursday morning, and he showed up to practice a few hours later, so does he value football over family?

Well, if you have reached the point in your Titans life that you think that Kevin Byard values football over family, then you’re dead wrong.

After a long process that led to Clarke, Byard’s wife, being in labor for over six hours, Eliana Rose Byard was born at 1:07 a.m. and Byard seemed to be very proud of her already.

"“They said she looks like me,” Byard said smiling, “so I’m definitely happy about that. She’s got strong genes. She’s going to be a ball hawk.”"

Byard left practice early on Wednesday to be with his wife through the process but didn’t skip Thursday morning’s practice.

Not many, but a handful of people raised the question after this and wondered if he values football over family. I don’t think that’s the case at all. No one in their right mind would think that either, but for some reason, there are a few people that do.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel shared his thoughts on the whole situation and only had positive things to say.

"“That’s kind of what we expect,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. “Everything in our families come first. Kevin probably didn’t get much sleep, but he was in in the morning (on Thursday), excited. I think he was excited for the guys to tell him congratulations, recognize that he and his wife had a healthy baby girl.”"

It’s not that KB is a bad dad or husband, he’s a leader on an NFL team, and that’s what leaders have to do sometimes. It’s not easy, but sometimes a leader has to step away from his new family to help get the team a little bit better.

General Manager Jon Robinson also said that Byard took Thursday’s practice to come in and get better knowing that the team had Friday off. With that being the case I think Byard knew he could get a practice in on Thursday morning and not miss much with is new family.

I don’t mind Byard doing this if he knows he will have Friday to spend with his wife and newborn baby. From everything, I’ve seen and heard he’s a great man and an alum of the great MTSU so if he thinks this decision is best, then I trust him.

Byard is already the NFL’s best safety, but now he’s a contender for best dad too. The Titans will be at home against the Steelers, so Byard will be able to stay home this weekend with his wife and newborn baby.