All-Pro S Kevin Byard reveals what ultimately drew him to New England

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Kevin Byard didn't need a big recruiting pitch from the New England Patriots when the veteran safety was making his decision in free agency.

He knew everything he needed to know, with his familiarity with the coaching staff playing the biggest role.

"It's a lot of familiarity in this building for me," Byard told reporters on Tuesday. "So I just think that was huge to be able to be on the backside of my career, being with people that knows what it takes to win, but at the same time, it's just familiar.

"I just really enjoy that part of it, and that was a big thing for me coming here. They didn't necessarily have to recruit me or send out a recruiting pitch. You want to be able to play for a team that you know has a winning culture, and that's what I'm all about."

"Same old guy, honestly. Same guy that I recognize from being back in Tennessee," Byard explained. "(A) guy that's full of energy, coaching the entire team, running back and forth from offense, defense, special teams," Byard said. "I don't see a difference whatsoever."

And then, there's defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr.

"Zak was one of the guys that was kind of, I think he started out as like an assistant quality control (coach)," Byard added. "(It's) just very cool to see him kind of move the ranks to be running the defense. ... So it's very cool from seeing these guys in Tennessee, now they're running their own rooms, running their groups. It's just a testament to those guys putting in the work."

He also mentioned assistant head coach Terrell Williams, tight ends coach Thomas Brown, wide receivers coach Todd Downing, and safeties coach Scott Booker.

So, it was a true reunion for Byard in New England.

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