Justin Simmons, one of the best defensive backs the NFL has seen over the past decade, is hanging up his cleats at the age of 32.
Simmons started his NFL career with the Denver Broncos in 2016. The former Boston College star quickly blossomed into an All-Pro safety at the next level. After spending eight seasons with the Broncos, he joined the Atlanta Falcons for the 2024 season.
In 134 career games, Simmons racked up 666 tackles, 71 pass breakups, 32 interceptions and five forced fumbles. On Wednesday, he signed a one-day contract with the Broncos so he can retire as a member of the organization.
"I would just love to be remembered as not just a Bronco, but just a man that gave his all to the team, the city," Simmons said. "Even in my letter to Broncos Country when I got let go was, ‘I don’t live with regrets.’ I always tell everyone I walk with a sense of purpose and understanding of everything happens for a reason. And the one thing that I wish I could hit on was just getting back to the postseason. There were a lot of positive things that happened individually, but I really hold and carry a lot of that weight as a team leader, as a captain, of not being able to promise that stuff, though. So, I just want to be remembered as someone who gave his all and tried his best."
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images.
After Simmons announced his retirement on Wednesday, countless reporters went on social media to share kind remarks about him.
"Justin will always be a Bronco," Vic Lombardi of AltitudeTV said. "He loves Denver. He lives here. He will stay here.
"Justin Simmons officially retires as a Bronco," Zac Stevens of DNVR Broncos wrote. "A fantastic player and an even better person."
"I was a young writer a couple years into my career when Simmons entered the draft. Was one of my first big hits on a prospect," Jon Ledyard said. "Interviewed him for a story before the draft, and he was so gracious with his time, asked about my life, was incredibly down to earth. Class act player."
"I'm so happy he retires as a Bronco but man never got to taste team success in his career and I hate that for him," a Denver fan said.
What's next for Justin Simmons?
Apparently, Simmons is excited to just watch Broncos football as a fan.
"I can't wait to go to the home opener and be a fan," Simmons told DenverBroncos.com. "I don't want to go sit in a suite. I want to go sit as close as I can, maybe in the lower bowl, and cheer on the team. I've never gotten to do that, as crazy as that sounds. I want to go tailgate; I want to see the crazy Instagram people that have crazy fire trucks and all of those things. I've never gotten to do that, and I've never gotten to experience those types of things."
The Broncos have not yet learned who their opponent will be for Week 1, but it sure sounds like Simmons will be in attendance.
