Former NFL defensive back Justin Simmons has called time on his professional football career after nine seasons in the league, with the Denver Broncos making the announcement Wednesday.
The timing of the retirement news holds special significance, coming exactly a decade after Denver selected the Boston College product in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
While Simmons completed his career by starting all 16 games for Atlanta in 2024 and recording two picks, his most memorable achievements came during his eight-year tenure in Denver. The safety earned both of his Pro Bowl selections while wearing orange and blue, along with four second-team All-Pro honors.
“Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team,” Simmons expressed in Denver’s social media statement. “It was my heart, my home and my story.”
Simmons continued: “I’m always going to be a Bronco, and I’m always going to be a Broncos fan. They took a chance on me, extended me. This is my home.”
Throughout his career, Simmons proved remarkably consistent in creating turnovers, recording no fewer than two interceptions in every season he played. His career total of 32 picks includes a league-best six during the 2022 campaign. The veteran defender appeared in 134 games over nine seasons, earning starting assignments in 124 of those contests.
Atlanta also shared congratulatory messages for their former player on social media platforms.
