The Denver Broncos opted for youth and health when they promoted Justin Simmons to starting safety and parted ways with 30-year-old and three-time Pro Bowler T.J. Ward. But don’t let Simmons’ one year in the NFL and relative youth (he’s 23 years old) suggest that he’s not ready to step up and perform at a high level in Ward’s place.

Not only has Simmons already shown he’s a professional on the field (late last year in relief of Ward and throughout this preseason), he’s already handling himself like a true pro off the field.

A pair of longtime pro broadcasters – Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro – took note in their latest interview with Simmons.

“You go back and look at it last year,” Simmons said about the opportunity to step in as a starter. “Will [Parks] and I were always one play away from being a starter. And towards the end of the year we became starters due to some injuries and things of that nature, so our preparation doesn’t really change as far as film study and asking the older guys about formations, things of that nature, but all in all it’s a great opportunity.”

When asked if he’s worried about comparisons with Ward, Simmons took the chance to praise his former teammate and look at the positives of their time together. He’s not letting the fans or media influence how he prepares.

“I can’t control what other people think or whatever, he said.” I just go out there and play to the best of my ability, do what I do that got me to this position. Like I always say, I always try and put on good tape. So, for me, obviously I’m not T.J. and T.J.’s not me. Two totally different players. So, I’m not going to come into this role, whether I’m playing his position or not, and try and be a T.J. I’m just going to try and do what I’ve done and take some some of the things that he’s taught me and implement them into my game. I’m definitely gonna do that. He was a great leader, a great friend, a great older brother I always said. But like I said, I can’t control what anyone else thinks, and I’m just going to go out there and play ball the way I know how to play it – do the best I can.”

Another young safety will also see plenty of extra playing time with the departure of Ward – Simmons’ 2016 draft class mate Will Parks.

As Simmons was being interviewed, Parks was studying away on his iPad in preparation of the opener against the Chargers. When asked if he was concerned that Parks might be outworking him, Simmons was businesslike and professional with his response.

“Not really,” Simmons said. “I mean, Philly [Will Parks] always puts in great work. That’s the thing I love most about him. I learned that when we were roommates last year. You know, he’s always putting in work. I’m always putting in work.”

Listen to the full interview with Simmons, including his thoughts on the chemistry he’s developing with veteran safety Darian Stewart, in the podcast below.

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Catch Afternoon Drive with Goodman and Shapiro every weekday from 4p-6p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.