Justin Simmons joined the Broncos precisely ten years ago, on April 29, 2016, when Denver drafted the Boston College standout with the third round’s concluding pick. He stepped into a locker room filled with character, joining the reigning Super Bowl champions and learning from the renowned “No Fly Zone” secondary. His knack for making game-changing plays was evident early on; he famously blocked an extra point in New Orleans by leaping over the line of scrimmage, which Will Parks returned for a game-winning score. In his inaugural start at safety on Christmas Day, Simmons secured the first of his 30 career interceptions for the Broncos.
Reflecting on his beginnings, Simmons shared what he would tell his younger self: “If I could go back in time and talk to the young, 2016, third-round draft pick in Justin Simmons, I would tell him, as confidently as I could, look him in the eye and say, ‘You got this.’ Just kind of put my hand on his shoulder, look him in the eye and just say, ‘You’ve got this.’ I think those are the words that would’ve put me at ease and let me know that anything that I’m going to go through or see what’s going to happen, I was built for and I will be built for. I think when you’re coming into something new, and as intimidating as it was going into the Super Bowl 50 champs and ‘No Fly Zone’ room, just hearing the words ‘You’ve got this’ and ‘You’re built for this’ would’ve put me at ease and gave me the utmost confidence.”
Despite the high-caliber talent surrounding him, Simmons swiftly established his place. He became a full-time starter in his second season and consistently accumulated interceptions throughout his tenure. Across his nine NFL seasons, Simmons recorded multiple interceptions every year, ultimately ranking seventh in team history for total picks. From 2018 to 2023, he managed at least three interceptions in each of those six seasons, an unparalleled accomplishment by any NFL player during that period.
Simmons was celebrated not only for his skill but also for his remarkable durability. Between 2018 and 2021, he played every game and amassed over 3,200 consecutive snaps from the start of the 2018 season into the early part of 2021.
National acclaim for Simmons’ performance began to emerge in 2019. He earned a second-team All-Pro selection that year, followed by his first Pro Bowl appearance a season later. From 2021-23, he garnered three more second-team All-Pro distinctions and another Pro Bowl nod, solidifying his reputation as a standout player amidst seasons of team struggles.
In 2021, Simmons was honored as the team’s inaugural Demaryius Thomas Team MVP, and in 2022, he shared the NFL lead for interceptions. He delivered crucial game-winning interceptions against the Raiders (2018), Dolphins (2020), and Commanders (2021). His interception and subsequent celebration against the Lions in 2021 marked an emotionally charged victory, coming just two days after the passing of Demaryius Thomas.
As the three-time captain looks back on his career, he acknowledges a lack of collective team success. Simmons expressed his regret at not being able to guide the franchise back to the postseason and hopes Broncos Country appreciates his tireless efforts to achieve that goal.
Simmons conveyed his desire for his legacy: “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. 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.”
He further elaborated on his perspective as a leader: “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.”
Beyond the field, Simmons exemplified dedication. He became only the second player in franchise history to receive three Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award nominations, and the first to be nominated in consecutive years. Simmons was honored with the Broncos’ Community Ambassador award four times, fostering a strong relationship with the Broncos Boys & Girls Club and making a significant impact through the Justin Simmons Foundation. A three-time recipient of the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award, Simmons consistently applied this thoughtful approach to his interactions with the media.
For Simmons, “Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team. It was my heart, my home and my story.”
While his playing chapter with the Broncos has concluded, and after spending his final NFL season in Atlanta in 2024, Simmons’ connection to the team remains strong. He continues to be a devoted fan of the franchise where he was drafted, developed, and flourished.
Simmons affirmed his everlasting bond: “I’ll always be a Denver Bronco.”
Looking forward to the upcoming season, Simmons conveyed a heartfelt message to the supporters he will soon be joining in the stands.
He extended his gratitude: “To the best fans in the world and Broncos Country, thank you so much for all your support for both myself and my family. The years of growing together in eight years in Denver are some of the most-cherished memories that I’ll have. … You guys have literally made all of the world of difference for me as a player and I can’t thank you enough — you truly are the best fans in the world.”
Simmons concluded his message with a promise: “And this is not a goodbye. I look forward to joining you guys in the stands as we cheer on our team for years and years and years to come.”