Dion Byrum

Dion Byrum (born February 18, 1983 in Matthews, North Carolina) is an American football cornerback in the Arena Football League for the Orlando Predators.

Byrum was first signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent after four years as a collegiate player at Ohio University, but was released by the Bears on September 1, 2006. He went on to sign with the Bucs practice squad, but was later released. Byrum was signed to the Panthers' roster on November 16, 2006. He was waived from the Panthers roster on August 3, 2007 to make room for safety Chris Harris. Byrum then continued on to the Arena Football League where he signed with the Orlando Predators. He was signed by the Colorado Crush off of the Orlando Practice squad on April 22, 2008. In his first game with the Crush, he led the team with 5 tackles.

Ohio University career
As a player for the Ohio Bobcats, Dion Byrum earned All-American honors from the American Football Coaches Association following his senior year. He also was named second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated, second-team All-American by the Associated Press, and first-team All-Mid-American Conference. He finished his senior campaign tied for first in MAC and second nationally with six interceptions and ran back two of those for touchdowns. His 153 total interception return yardage was second in the nation, while his three defensive touchdowns ranked first.

Including an interception, his 2nd of the game, off Tyler Palko that was returned 60 yards for the game winning touchdown in overtime against the #24 Pittsburgh Panthers in front of a nationally televised game on ESPN2. The game still remains as one of the most ever viewed games on the ESPN network.

High school career
A two-time all-conference and all-county performer playing both ways, Byrum rushed for 1,972 yards and 25 TDs on 244 carries as a senior at Monroe High School. He was voted team's Most Improved Player as a junior, then MVP his final season. He earned three letters each in football, basketball and track while being a member of the Varsity Club and Key Club.