Former MTSU football standout Byard makes significant gift to Build Blue campaign

Former Blue Raider student-athlete and current Tennessee Titans star Kevin Byard is making a significant gift to the Build Blue Campaign as announced by the Blue Raider Athletic Association on Tuesday, March 21.

The gift, along with his accomplishments on and off the field, will give him naming rights to the strength and conditioning center in the new Student-Athlete Performance Center.

Middle Tennessee State University football coach Rick Stockstill, left, shares an embrace with former Blue Raider player and current Tennessee Titans star Kevin Byard in August 2022 when Stockstill and other MTSU leaders made a surprise visit to the Titans training camp to inform Byard his jersey would be retired later that year. (By Emily Cole/MT Athletic Communications)

“I am super excited about the future of MTSU athletics and the impact that this new facility will have for not only recruiting, but the development of the student athletes,” said Byard. “I am proud to be an alumnus of this great institution.”

The Build Blue Campaign has now secured over $18 million in donor cash, donor pledges and additional funds toward the over $100 million in transformational changes coming to the athletics facilities landscape at MTSU. Over 300 individuals and families have contributed to the Build Blue campaign so far.

Chris Massaro, MTSU director of athletics — Chris Massaro

“During his time at MTSU, Kevin embodied what a student-athlete is all about in the leadership and high character he displayed in all facets of his life,” said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. “This generous gift is another demonstration of his leadership, and we are extremely grateful for all that Kevin has done and continues to do for his university. KB was one of the hardest working student athletes we have ever had, and we are proud to carry that legacy for generations to come. We are honored to put his name on the strength and conditioning center.”

Byard, a four-year starter for the Blue Raiders from 2012-15, ended his career as the program’s all-time leader in interceptions (19), interception return yards (377), interception return touchdowns (4) and is one of just nine players in school history with 300 or more tackles. A team captain, Byard forced or gained 25 turnovers (19 INT, 5 FF, 1 FR) in 49 career games played.

The Lithonia, Georgia, native was a first team all-conference selection and an FWAA Freshman All-American, while leading the team in interceptions all four years. The University retired his number 20 on Sept. 30, 2022, making it only the second football number to be retired in school history.

Head Football Coach Rick Stockstill — Coach Rick Stockstill

“I can’t thank Kevin enough for what he has done and is doing for Middle Tennessee football,” said head coach Rick Stockstill. “Kevin will always have a special place in my heart because of the respect, love and appreciation I have for him.”

MTSU’s goal for the Build Blue Campaign was increased to $20 million in September and construction on the $66-million Student Athlete Performance Center is expected to begin this May.

The three-story, 85,500-square-foot performance center will provide all MTSU student-athletes with new facilities for weight training, nutrition, and sports medicine. It will also be the new home for Blue Raider Football, allowing MTSU to relocate its football operations from Murphy Center to Floyd Stadium.

Naming opportunities within the Student-Athlete Performance Center and Murphy Center are still available. Individuals wishing to join the Blue Raider Athletic Association and impact the student-athlete experience through the Build Blue campaign can contact the BRAA offices for additional information at (615) 898-2210 or BRAA@mtsu.edu.

— By MTSU Athletic Communications (goblueraiders.com)