Detroit Lions defensive end Kerry Hyder isn’t a household name by any means.
Still, one would think he’d be one of the 54 defensive ends on the Pro Bowl ballot considering he leads the league in sacks at five while filling in for starter Ziggy Ansah.
Nope. An undrafted free agent in 2014, Hyder isn’t shocked he hasn’t come up on the ballot, as captured by the Detroit Free Press‘ Dave Birkett:
“I’m sure people don’t know who I am, anyway,” Hyder said.
“I’m sure there’s some great players on the list,” Hyder said. “If I keep doing what I’m doing, I’ll be where I need to be. I’m not worried about lists and that kind of thing. If I get a bunch of sacks, they’ll look at me, so I’m not going in saying I’m a Pro Bowl end. I’m just trying to make plays and, at the end of the day, if that’s a Pro Bowl guy, hey.”
Starters are the only players who usually get a nod on ballots. But like Hyder says, he’s well on his way to becoming more of a household name if he keeps up this pace.
Soon to be a rotational presence once again, Hyder has at least assured his spot within the Detroit defense. It’s something to build upon moving forward, and future ballots might not have the luxury of ignoring him.
