Simmons retires as Bronco: ‘My heart, my home’
Simmons retires as Bronco: 'My heart, my home' (1:08) ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Ten years to the day from when the Denver Broncos selected a Boston College safety named Justin Simmons with the final pick of the third round of the 2016 NFL draft, he said his formal goodbye to the NFL on Wednesday. Simmons, who played eight seasons for the Broncos and one with the Atlanta Falcons , said he was "so grateful and appreciative'' for the send-off, in front of his family and assorted members of the Broncos, but that in some ways "it is more than I deserve.'' He had earlier announced he was retiring as a Bronco in a post to Instagram , saying in an accompanying video that, "being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team. It was my heart, my home and my story." A post shared by Denver Broncos (@broncos) Simmons, selected with the No.
98 pick in the 2016 draft, played in 118 games with the Broncos (108 starts), was selected to two Pro Bowls, selected a second-team All Pro four times and finished sixth in franchise history in interceptions with 30 of his 32 career interceptions coming in a Broncos uniform. Simmons said when he arrived to Denver as a 22-year-old rookie he already knew the franchise's history of safeties with Hall of Famers like Atwater, John Lynch and Brian Dawkins as well as Ring of Fame members Dennis Smith, Steve Foley and Goose Gonsoulin. Simmons said Wednesday he will spend more time with his family, work with his foundation and begin to meet with people and "pick their brains'' to plan a bigger post-football career.
Analysis: Why This Matters
Fans tracking Denver Broncos will want to follow this closely; even off-field news often shapes on-field outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- I don't take any of it for granted.'' He was a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year with the Broncos for his off-the-field efforts, including his extensive work at the Denver Boys and Girls Club.
- Hall of Fame Broncos safety Steve Atwater introduced Simmons at a ceremony Wednesday at the Broncos' south suburban complex.
- It was my heart, my home and my story." A post shared by Denver Broncos (@broncos) Simmons, selected with the No.
Expect more reactions from coaches, players, and analysts as the story unfolds.
Source: ESPN Sports