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Robby Klein.
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Robby Klein.
Each year we celebrate the incredible people that make Nashville a beautiful place to live.This year, we toast a lineup that includes creatives, business people, culinarians, and everything in between. With a passion for philanthropy and a beautiful outlook on life, these are the men and women who make Music City shine.
Name: Kevin Byard
Age: 28
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation: Tennessee Titans’ Free Safety
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that my son and I share the name Kevin because we have a special connection. On August 23, 2020 I was able to deliver him at home with my wife. Although a home birth was not our plan, I cherish that special moment between the three of us and always will.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being drafted to the NFL. After years of hard work and chasing a dream that would seem unrealistic to even the most optimistic person during that time, hearing my named called on that night is a feeling I cannot explain. I felt validated. Most importantly, it gives me a perfect example of how God works that I can share with others.
How would friends describe you in three words?
I would hope my friends would describe me as compassionate, dependable, and wise.
Tell us about a skill or activity that you’ve always wanted to try or one you’ve learned and mastered?
I have always wanted to be a grill master. Recently, I purchased a Green Egg and I have to say I wish I would’ve gotten it sooner. Maybe one day I’ll be able to compete on one of those grill master shows and go up against the best of the best.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life.
My father has been a major influence in my life. He comes from a long line of hard working men. I will say one thing I’ve learned from him is to constantly adapt and not to take no for an answer.
Name an organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work and why it’s important to you.
My wife and I started our foundation a couple years ago. It is called the Byard Family Legacy Fund. Through the foundation I am able to reach people and extend God’s Grace in many different ways. One of the highlights from the time the foundation has been up and going until now would be the kids draft party we hosted in conjunction with Microsoft, Chic-fil-A, and Academy Sports. We were able to take a youth football team on a shopping spree and then back to the Chic-fil-A event space in Nashville for a draft night party. Microsoft provided portable PS4 consoles for each kid, so we could have a live Madden tournament. It truly touched my heart because I remember being that kid with big dreams watching the draft with stars in my eyes. I always thought that could be me but I’m not sure if I ever truly believed it. I hope that the night gave the kids a little push that they can do anything they set their mind too, football or not.
Tell us about someone you consider a hero and why?
My mom, I watched the hard work and dedication she put into me and my six siblings, trying to give us the best lives she could. Every single day, even though times were tough, she kept a smile on her face and kept working. She taught me the definition of perseverance and hard work.
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville?
Nissan Stadium is number one. I love Radnor Lake and enjoying some peace and quiet and getting away from the day-to-day life. Bourbon Steak is my favorite restaurant, because you can’t beat that view. The Red Phone Booth is a great place to take family or friends whenever they are in town for a good drink or a cigar.
Tell us about your routine/tips for looking and feeling great inside and/or out (salon, spa, fitness, wellness, well-being, etc.)
One thing I do every day is I exfoliate my face with a face wash and face scrub. I also get two massages a week and do physical training with weight lifting and a lot of movement every day. I add in Pilates and Yoga every week to make sure I stay loose. I also meditate first thing in the morning for ten minutes to start the day, before I pick up my phone or do anything else.
Describe your perfect day.
Waking up in the morning, ten minutes of meditation, jump in the shower, get dressed, go hug and kiss my wife and kids, get a good workout in, come home and play with the kids at the park and then, getting on the grill and cooking some dinner for the family, turkey burgers or ribs, catching a couple of good shows on HBO with my wife while enjoying some good ole' bourbon. This would definitely be an off season perfect day.
Do you have a favorite quote you live by that you would like to share (and why)?
Success is never owned, it is rented and the rent is due every day.
What is your definition of beauty—as it pertains to yourself and/or others?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I think it is more about how you feel about yourself on the inside. As long as you feel good internally, I think that will show on the outside and people will be attracted to self-confidence.