FOXBOROUGH – Kevin Byard’s play and accolades speak for themselves.

All-Pro last season. Three-time Pro Bowler. Seven picks a year ago.

But, after listening to him speak for about 20 minutes on Thursday afternoon inside Gillette Stadium, it’s clear as day why the Patriots wanted him so badly.

For a young team now looking to get over a Super Bowl loss, Byard is the perfect leader for a youthful locker room.

In fact, the Patriots didn’t just want Byard, he was a priority, with Eliot Wolf saying that the word ecstatic would be an ‘understatement’ when asked how happy they were about signing the veteran safety.

Byard’s relationship with Mike Vrabel was obviously a draw, but it’s the new-look roster that also pulled him towards Foxborough.

“I think the relationship we have…at this stage in my career, being able to go to a place that’s very familiar, but also has a winning culture, I think that was a high priority for me,” he said. “But, also, this roster is kind of stacked I think with talent, especially on defense and in the secondary. I’m excited to be able to play with some great players.”

Byard was very honest when asked about his options, saying the decision was only between Chicago and New England. The Bears were certainly close to a title last season, but not as close as the Patriots, which also helped the Pats land him.

As did Drake Maye.

“It’s important for me because I’ve played more years than I’m going to play, more than likely,” said Byard when how important it was to play for a contender. “So, I wanted to be part of a team that has an opportunity. I think, something that I enjoyed being in Chicago, was obviously Caleb Williams was an ascending quarterback, a great quarterback. That’s one of the hardest things to get right in the NFL. Everyone’s trying to get it right. New England obviously has it right with Drake Maye.

“MVP runner-up, he had a great year last year. So, I’m excited to be able to play with him, but like I said, I’m also excited to play with some of the pieces on defense who I think played really well last year, especially in the Super Bowl. I’m excited to be able to join them and add my game to this group.”

Aside from the Pro Bowls and the All-Pro nod, what’s most impressive about Byard is the fact that he hasn’t missed a single game in his entire going on 12-year career. Even more specific, he’s missed two snaps his entire career.

“I take a lot of pride in that,” he said. “My preparation, my routine, I try to be a great pro. I try to do things the right way at all times. That’s one of the first things I’m going to try and do when I get here, just earn the respect of my teammates and the coaches. I know a lot of them, but the people that don’t know me, try to earn their respect by how I handle myself every single day in the building, outside of the building, in the classroom, on the field, whatever it may be.

“At the end of the day, we’re all here to serve. That’s my main mission. I’m here to serve this team, my teammates, the coaches, the fans in every single way.”

With a few key locker room voices out the door already in free agency, it feels like Byard’s presence will be felt just as much off the field as it will on it.

That’s saying something considering he led the league in interceptions in 2025.