Titans DB Kevin Byard gets into feud with Deion Sanders

NASHVILLE, Tenn -- Tennessee Titans defensive back Kevin Byard isn't going to tolerate disrespect, even if it comes from Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders.

Byard found himself in the middle of a Twitter feud with Sanders, who now works as NFL Network analyst, over who is the top safety in the NFL. Primetime gave that honor to Tyrann Mathieu. It was a debate fueled by opinion that turned a little nasty when Sanders called Byard a "fan" in response.

"I asked him a simple question of how he came up with the information on the best safety. He threw me aside like I was a nobody," Byard told ESPN on Wednesday morning. "It just puts a bigger chip on my shoulder. I come from a situation where I've been ignored my whole life. Being a two-star prospect, having maybe five offers coming out, broke every school record at my school, and I was still talked about being a Day 3 or undrafted guy. In two years, I'm an all-pro and Pro Bowler."

Byard may not be a household name yet, but he will be soon. He definitely exploded on NFL players, coaches and media radars after his all-pro and Pro Bowl 2017 season in which he notched eight interceptions.

The Tennessee Titans safety said he has Sanders' tweet saved as the lock screen on his phone for motivation.

"This just lets me know I still haven't done nothing yet. It lets me know no matter what you're doing in this league you gotta keep working until you don't have to introduce yourself no more," Byard said. "Some guys don't have to reach the all-pro or Pro Bowl pinnacle to get respect from legends. I understand the position I'm in, being a small-school guy, I have to fight for every inch of respect that I can get in this league. This chip will stay on my shoulder until I'm out the game."

It's quite possible that Sanders did not know who Byard was when he made his initial comment. It would be surprising for a major TV analyst and NFL great to not recognize the name of an all-pro safety who tied for the NFL lead in interceptions, but that might be a better alternative than considering that same player a "fan."

"It surprised me," Byard said. "I have a blue check by my Twitter account. He should've looked it at before he pushed send if that was the case."

The Twitter back-and-forth drew a lot of attention on social media Tuesday with NFL players like fellow Titans cornerback Logan Ryan, Jalen Ramsey, Eric Weddle and Casey Hayward speaking up on Byard's behalf.

Ryan said this may have started when Sanders didn't call Byard for his "you ball, you get the call" segment on NFL Network after Byard notched five interceptions in two games. Byard was surprised he didn't get more love after either game, but chalked it up to being in a smaller market.

"I don't need any validation from anybody. The coaches and players know who I am," Byard said. "And I'm going to keep working until I got a gold jacket like Deion."

Byard said he isn't satisfied with his 2017 accomplishments. He's aiming to be the best recognized safety in the NFL next. Maybe then he'll get some respect from Sanders.