Damiere Byrd facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Damiere Byrd

Byrd with the Carolina Panthers in 2016
Position:	Wide receiver
Personal information
Born:	(1993-01-27) January 27, 1993 (age 32) Erial, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:	175 lb (79 kg)
Career information
High school:	Timber Creek (Erial)
College:	South Carolina (2011–2014)
Undrafted:	2015
Career history
Carolina Panthers (2015) Arizona Cardinals (2019) New England Patriots (2020) Chicago Bears (2021) Atlanta Falcons (2022) Carolina Panthers (2023)* Atlanta Falcons (2023)* Houston Texans (2023)* Washington Commanders (2024)* Buffalo Bills (2024)*
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Receptions: 130 Receiving yards: 1,689 Receiving touchdowns: 7 Return yards: 466 Return touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Damiere Byrd (born January 27, 1993) is an American professional football player. He plays as a wide receiver, which means he catches passes from the quarterback. Byrd played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He joined the Carolina Panthers in 2015 and has played for several other NFL teams since then.

College Football Journey

Damiere Byrd started playing as a wide receiver for the South Carolina Gamecocks football team in 2011. He was a "true freshman," meaning he played in his very first year of college.

By the end of his senior year in 2014, Byrd had caught 68 passes for a total of 1,265 yards. He also scored 10 touchdowns during his college career.

While at South Carolina, Damiere was known as the fastest player on the team. He also competed in track events for the university.

Becoming a Pro Football Player

Getting Ready for the NFL

Before joining the NFL, players go through special tests to show off their skills. Damiere Byrd showed how fast he was at the South Carolina "Pro Day."

He ran the 40-yard dash in an amazing 4.28 seconds! He also completed other drills very quickly, like the short shuttle in 4.03 seconds. These impressive times showed everyone how fast and agile he was.

Playing for the Carolina Panthers (First Time)

Starting in 2015

On May 8, 2015, Damiere Byrd signed with the Carolina Panthers. He joined them as an undrafted free agent, meaning he wasn't chosen in the main NFL draft but was signed afterward.

He spent most of his first year on the Panthers' practice squad. This is a group of players who train with the team but don't usually play in games. The Panthers made it to Super Bowl 50 in February 2016, but they lost to the Denver Broncos.

The 2016 Season

Byrd made the Panthers' main roster in 2016. This meant he was one of the 53 players who could play in games. He was later moved to the practice squad again but was brought back to the active roster at the end of the year.

The 2017 Season

In 2017, Damiere Byrd faced some challenges. In October, he broke his left arm during a game. He had to go on the injured reserve list, which is for players who are hurt and can't play.

He returned to play in December. In one exciting game, he made a huge play! He returned a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown. This was a new record for the Panthers and helped them win the game. Because of this amazing play, he was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. However, he got another leg injury in the same game and was placed back on injured reserve.

The 2018 Season

In 2018, Byrd was the Panthers' main player for returning punts. He played in eight games before breaking his arm again in November. He was then placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Playing for the Arizona Cardinals

On March 26, 2019, Byrd signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He played in 11 games and had his best year yet, catching 32 passes for 359 yards and scoring one touchdown.

Playing for the New England Patriots

In 2020, Damiere Byrd signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots. He played in all 16 games that season.

In a game against the Houston Texans, he caught six passes for 132 yards and scored a touchdown. He finished the season with 47 catches for 604 yards and one touchdown.

Playing for the Chicago Bears

On May 4, 2021, Byrd joined the Chicago Bears. In a game against the Green Bay Packers, he caught a 54-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Fields.

Playing for the Atlanta Falcons (First Time)

In 2022, Byrd signed with the Atlanta Falcons. In October, he scored his first touchdown of the season. It was a long 75-yard catch from quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Returning to the Carolina Panthers (Second Time)

Byrd signed with the Panthers again on April 14, 2023. However, he was placed on injured reserve in August and was later released.

Returning to the Atlanta Falcons (Second Time)

On October 19, 2023, Byrd was signed to the Falcons' practice squad. He was released from the practice squad in November.

Playing for the Houston Texans

On January 17, 2024, Byrd joined the Houston Texans practice squad. His contract ended after the season, and he became a free agent.

Playing for the Washington Commanders

Byrd signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders on May 16, 2024. He was released by the team on July 31, 2024.

Playing for the Buffalo Bills

On August 12, 2024, Byrd signed with the Buffalo Bills. He was released by the Bills on August 25, 2024.

Damiere Byrd's NFL Stats

Regular Season Games