He was a twice Pro Bowl selection in 1991 and 1992 for the Chargers after graduating from San Jose State University.

On February 7, 2017, the Buffalo Bills hired Byrd to oversee the team's defensive backs.

[3] He left the job in January and coached the defensive backs at the University of Illinois.

Jairus was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 42nd pick in the 2009 NFL draft as a cornerback, but was moved to the free safety position, at which he made the Pro Bowl in 2009, 2012, and 2013.

His nephew is Richard Rodgers, a former tight end for the Green Bay Packers.