Off the field, Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons carries himself as a humble leader, always deflecting personal achievements with a team-first mentality. On the field, the Broncos All-Pro safety’s play speaks loudly and is deserving of praise.
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons continues to elevate in his seventh season
Denver Broncos All-Pro safety Justin Simmons carries himself with both swagger and humility. His normal pregame routine involves arriving at the stadium, grabbing a cup of coffee, and settling into the locker room before heading onto the field for pregame warmups. Then he straps up his helmet and goes to work.
In his seventh season in the National Football League, Simmons continues to elevate his game on the backend of the Broncos’ secondary, also elevating the defense’s play. On Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes led a drive into the red zone where they threatened the Denver defense. Mahomes in his typical fashion extended a play to the left side with his legs where he attempted to fit a bullet pass to Chiefs’ receiver Justin Watson. Simmons had other plans as he read Mahomes eyes and jumped the pass, giving the Broncos momentum and possession of the football in a one-score game.
The Broncos safety snagged his sixth interception of the season, a new career-high for him. What’s even more impressive is that Simmons has missed five games this season due to injury and has tied the league lead in picks this season. Selected as a Pro Bowl alternate, Simmons is deserving of All-Pro recognition that will be voted on by NFL players and announced early in January.
Sunday’s interception moved Simmons into 8th all-time in Broncos franchise history for interceptions. He is the only player in the NFL to have three straight seasons with 5+ interceptions.
Away from football, the humble Broncos’ safety maintains his All-Pro status off the field as well, attending and supporting teammates’ charity events, spending time with local members of the Boys and Girls Club, and helping elevate the voices of future leaders in the community through the Justin Simmons Foundation.
Regardless of how this season has gone for the Broncos, Simmons has been a bright spot both on and off the field. His leadership has continued to elevate the play of the defense and instill confidence in the teammates around him. When looking at a 30,000-foot perspective on how to build a football team, Simmons is a pillar and building block for what most franchises aspire to have.
A New Years’ Resolution for the Broncos should entail getting back to the playoffs next season but more importantly getting back there for a player like Simmons who wants nothing more than to win and has selflessly played his part year in and year out.