HABOOB

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

Mar 21, 2018, 10:14 AM | Updated: 1:15 pm

Deion Sanders speaks on the Thursday Night Football set during halftime in an NFL football game bet...

Deion Sanders speaks on the Thursday Night Football set during halftime in an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

(AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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.

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, 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.

It became not a prime day for Sanders.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Haboob

Roger Clemens...

Jesse Morrison

61-year-old Roger Clemens pitches for Savannah Bananas

Seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens returned to the mound in Houston on Saturday for the Savannah Bananas.

8 days ago

Nick Gordon celebrates a home run against the Chicago White Sox in the eighth inning at Guaranteed ...

David Veenstra

Miami Marlins’ Nick Gordon says he doesn’t believe the moon is real

Miami Marlins utility man Nick Gordon said he doesn't believe the moon is real during a spring training interview.

9 days ago

Dylan Guenther #11 of the Arizona Coyotes warms up before the NHL game against the Boston Bruins at...

David Veenstra

Arizona Coyotes’ Dylan Guenther has water turned off after he doesn’t pay utility bill

Arizona Coyotes' Dylan Guenther and teammate Jack McBain had their water turned off this week after they did not pay their utility bill.

9 days ago

Terrion Arnold looks on...

Tyler Drake

‘He did jam me:’ Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon goes 1-on-1 with Terrion Arnold at NFL Combine

Jonathan Gannon confirmed Terrion Arnold jammed him up during the defensive back's formal interview with the Cardinals at the NFL Combine.

17 days ago

Texas Rangers fan shows his tattoo of the Game 5 World Series box score...

Haboob Blog

Rangers fan’s tattoo of World Series box score will make Diamondbacks fans sick

A radio host will always remember the Texas Rangers' World Series win over the Diamondbacks thanks to a tattoo of the Game 5 box score.

18 days ago

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler with an emo look in a Fall Out Boy music video....

Haboob Blog

Jimmy Butler did his emo media day thing for a Fall Out Boy music video

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler went emo cowboy for a Fall Out Boy music video.

19 days ago

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