Bears give All-Pro safety Kevin Byard team award for 2025 season

The Chicago Bears had a wildly successful season in Ben Johnson's first year as head coach, as Caleb Williams broke out and showed why he was the first overall pick all year long.

But, while the offensive side of the ball was impressive, the improvements on defense were also huge, and gave fans a lot of hope, even with a lackluster pass rush. One of the pain parts of the improved defense was Kevin Byard.

The All-Pro safety had a huge year, and he received plenty of accolades for his great 2025 season. And as Gabby Hajduk of ChicagoBears.com writes, the Bears named Byard their Defensive Player of the Year for 2025.

Bears name Kevin Byard Defensive Player of the Year

"Between fueling the defense's league-leading 33 takeaways and serving as a vocal leader in the locker room, on the sidelines and during pregame huddles, Byard has been named the Bears' 2025 Defensive Player of the Year by ChicagoBears.com," Hajduk writes.

This honor for Byard comes amid his incredible 2025 season at 33 years old. He was a team captain, a Pro Bowler, named a first-team All-Pro, and led the NFL in interceptions with seven on the year.

Bayrd's 2025 season was very impressive, and of all the defensive players this season, he was the most impactful for Chicago.

While someone like Nahshon Wright broke out in a major way, and others like Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon were great, Byard was not only good all year long, but he played in all 17 games for the Bears.

More: Bears' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason

This is his third Pro Bowl and All-Pro season, and his first since 2021. It's his 10th year in the league, and he's still playing at a very high level.

After being named the Bears' Defensive Player of the Year, Byard and general manager Ryan Poles will have a tough decision to make. He's a free agent, alongside standout DBs Wright and Brisker.

But, regardless of what the future holds for Byard, his 2025 season with the Bears, his second with the team, was a massive season for the veteran safety. He's a great player, and this honor from ChicagoBears.com is well deserved.

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