Deion Sanders picks best safety, might not be able to name another NFL safety

Former NFL star and current NFL analyst Deion Sanders said on Monday that Tyrann Mathieu is the best safety in the game.

That’s fine and well and great.

We can respect that even though Mathieu, the former Cardinals defensive back and new Houston Texan, is coming off a healthy year that still wasn’t as impressive as a few of his injury-ruined seasons.

What we can’t respect is how Sanders shrugged off criticism of his pick for best safety.

A man named Kevin Byard questioned why Sanders wouldn’t at least pick one of the Associated Press All-Pro safeties from last year (there are four to choose from, two each from the NFC and AFC).

It’s a fair point, because Mathieu wasn’t on any all-pro teams in 2017, nor did he make the Pro Bowl. The debate led to this exchange between Byard and Sanders.

How do you make this statement and not include the two first team AP All Pro safeties?? 🤔 @DeionSanders #INeedAnswers https://t.co/HzRaV3h85g

— Kevin Byard (@KB31_Era) March 20, 2018

You're looking at who writers tell u who's the best I know who players and former players feel is the best. I rest my case. You continue to be a fan and i will continue being the man. #Truth https://t.co/gnpwJHjxEK

— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) March 20, 2018

Notice why Sanders’ response is very bad? Notice that little blue check-mark next to Byard’s name?

The problem there is that — if you didn’t know — Kevin Byard is a Tennessee Titans player and one of those all-pro safeties Sanders did not consider.

If you need more evidence that Sanders should probably know who Byard is, here’s a fun fact: Byard co-led the NFL with eight interceptions in 2017.

The Titans safety wasn’t backing down from the all-time great.

And if you didn’t know, I am a CURRENT player who watches a ton of film so trust me, I know who’s balling and who is not. Talking about be a fan 😂 https://t.co/s099lNjiq2

— Kevin Byard (@KB31_Era) March 20, 2018

But the numbers nor film add up. How do you overlook guys like Harrison Smith, Earl Thomas, and Eric Berry as not being the best in the game? I never said I was the best but I’m on my way. You continue to be a fan and I will continue going to the pro bowl and being great #Truth https://t.co/s099lNjiq2

— Kevin Byard (@KB31_Era) March 20, 2018

We all know Deion is the 🐐 but it was never a debate because he didn’t answer the question that I asked Paul. Instead he called me a fan which further proved that he doesn’t watch enough film to make that statement but hey 🤷🏾‍♂️, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion https://t.co/J3WFG8YR6F

— Kevin Byard (@KB31_Era) March 21, 2018

And, oh man, did current NFL players pile on to Sanders and his swipe at Byard.

Buffalo safety Micah Hyde, who was one of two AP All-Pro safeties in the AFC last season, came to Byard’s defense. So did AP All-Pro corners Jalen Ramsey of the Jaguars and Casey Hayward of the Chargers, plus five-time AP All-Pro safety Eric Weddle of the Ravens.

Or 2nd….. 🤔🤷🏽‍♂️

— Micah Hyde (@micah_hyde) March 20, 2018

Man bump that! Talk that talk KB! You know you a beast, a whole lot of others know it too Trust me! You supposed to believe you the best! & You got the film to back it up! Everybody got opinions but just keep giving facts bro! https://t.co/dIegdgAnWi

— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) March 20, 2018

Bro they just will say ppl they like.

— Casey Hayward (@show_case29) March 20, 2018

Ignorance bro. Just have to keep showing em

— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) March 20, 2018

It became not a prime day for Sanders.

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