Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons Bio

Justin Simmons is an American professional football safety who has established himself as one of the most reliable and productive defensive backs in the National Football League. Born on November 19, 1993, in Manassas, Virginia, Simmons played college football at Boston College before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over his career, he has earned four Second-team All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl honors while compiling impressive statistical totals across nine seasons. In 2024, Simmons joined the Atlanta Falcons, continuing his journey as one of the NFL’s premier safeties.

Early Life and Background

Justin Simmons was born to Victor Simmons and Kimberly Simmons in Manassas, Virginia, in 1993. He grew up with two younger brothers, Nate and Tristan. His father is Black and his mother is white. Simmons attended Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida, where he excelled both academically and athletically. During his high school years, he demonstrated the football instincts and work ethic that would later propel him to the collegiate and professional levels.

Beyond football, Simmons showcased his athletic versatility during the summer of 2009 when he played in the USSSA U15 Florida state basketball championship game in Gainesville. His team featured future notable athletes including Tyler Cameron, who would go on to play football at Wake Forest and Florida Atlantic before appearing on ABC’s The Bachelorette. This multi-sport background helped develop Simmons’ coordination, court awareness, and competitive drive.

Path to the NFL

Simmons enrolled at Boston College in 2012, majoring in communication in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. He immediately made an impact as a freshman, appearing in all 12 games and starting six at free safety and one at cornerback. He finished seventh on the team with 52 tackles and tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles. His sophomore year saw him appear in all 13 games with 34 tackles and three pass break-ups.

His junior season marked a breakthrough as Simmons started all 13 games and led the team with 76 tackles while recording two interceptions. He finished second on the team with five pass breakups. As a senior in 2015, Simmons started all 12 games at free safety and finished third on the team with 67 tackles. He tied for 20th nationally and second in the conference with five interceptions while tying for first in the conference with three fumble recoveries. His outstanding senior season earned him Second-team All-ACC honors from multiple selectors, including the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, ACC head coaches, Phil Steele, and the Associated Press. He also received recognition on Steele’s All-American Fourth Team and ProFootballFocus.com All-America honorable mention.

Prior to the NFL Draft, Simmons attended the NFL Scouting Combine where he posted impressive measurables. He recorded the fastest time in the 20-yard shuttle at the combine since 2006 and tied for the best 60-yard shuttle time performed at the combine since 2014. He also ranked second overall in the three-cone drill. NFL draft experts projected him as a third-round selection and ranked him as the fourth best free safety prospect by DraftScout.com. NFL analyst Mike Mayock and Scouts Inc. ranked him as the sixth best safety prospect in the draft.

Justin Simmons Career

Denver Broncos (2016–2023)

The Denver Broncos selected Justin Simmons in the third round with the 98th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. He became the seventh safety drafted and the first of only two players drafted from Boston College that year. Simmons was the first safety to be drafted from Boston College since Will Blackmon in 2006. On May 13, 2016, the Broncos signed him to a four-year, $3.06 million contract that included a signing bonus of $645,420.

Simmons entered training camp as the backup free safety behind Darian Stewart. He made his NFL debut in the season-opener against the Carolina Panthers and recorded one tackle in the narrow 21-20 victory. During his rookie season, Simmons showed flashes of his playmaking ability, including making his first career sack against Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers in Week 8 and leaping over the offensive line to block an extra point attempt against the New Orleans Saints in November 2016. He earned his first career start on December 18, 2016, against the New England Patriots and recorded his first career interception the following week against the Kansas City Chiefs, returning it 38 yards. He finished his rookie season with 30 combined tackles, four pass deflections, two interceptions, and one sack in 13 games with three starts.

Rise to Stardom (2017–2019)

Prior to the 2017 season, head coach Vance Joseph named Simmons the starting strong safety after he impressed the coaching staff during training camp. The Broncos released T.J. Ward as part of their final roster cuts, cementing Simmons’ role. During Week 6 of the 2017 season, Simmons collected a season-high 11 solo tackles against the New York Giants. In December, he returned his first career interception for a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins, going 65 yards to the end zone. However, he suffered an ankle injury while celebrating a play the following week and was placed on injured reserve on December 13. He finished the season with 68 combined tackles, five passes defensed, two interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown in 13 games with 13 starts.

In 2018, Simmons and Darian Stewart formed the starting safety tandem under new head coach Vic Fangio, who had been hired after the Broncos fired Vance Joseph following a 6-10 season in 2017. Simmons started all 16 games and recorded a career-high 97 combined tackles while also recording three interceptions. Notably, he played every single defensive snap for the first time in his career that season. In 2019, Simmons continued his dominance, starting all 16 games and compiling 93 combined tackles, 15 pass deflections, and four interceptions. He was the highest-graded safety in the entire NFL that season with an overall grade of 90.8 from Pro Football Focus. For the second consecutive season, he played every single defensive snap and was elected as a Second-team All-Pro.

Contract Extension and Continued Excellence (2020–2023)

On March 13, 2020, the Broncos placed the franchise tag on Simmons. He signed the one-year tender worth $11.441 million in July. Simmons had a standout 2020 season, finishing with 96 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, and a career-high five interceptions while starting every game for the third consecutive season. His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. He was ranked 45th by his peers in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

On March 5, 2021, the Broncos placed the franchise tag on Simmons for the second consecutive season. Nine days later, on March 19, 2021, Simmons and the Broncos agreed to a landmark four-year, $61 million contract extension with $35 million guaranteed. This deal made Simmons one of the highest-paid safeties in NFL history at the time. He continued his high level of play in 2021, recording 80 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, five interceptions, and 1.5 sacks while starting all 17 regular season games. He earned Second-team All-Pro honors for the third time and was ranked 81st in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

The 2022 season presented challenges as Simmons suffered a quad injury in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks and was placed on injured reserve, missing four games. Despite the injury, he returned to form and finished with six interceptions, including multiple multi-interception games, in 12 games with 12 starts. In 2023, Simmons continued his consistent play and was instrumental in the Broncos ending their 16-game losing streak against the Kansas City Chiefs with a key interception in a 24-9 victory. It was the first time in his eight-year career that the Broncos beat the Chiefs. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for that performance. He finished the 2023 season with 70 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and one sack in 15 games with 15 starts. His performance earned him his second Pro Bowl selection and his fourth consecutive Second-team All-Pro honor.

Atlanta Falcons (2024–Present)

On March 7, 2024, the Denver Broncos released Simmons after eight seasons to save $14.5 million in salary cap space. Less than six months later, on August 15, 2024, Simmons signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year, $7.5 million contract that was fully guaranteed upon signing with a $4.75 million signing bonus. Although he was signed towards the end of training camp, Simmons competed for a starting role against Richie Grant and DeMarcco Hellams.

Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake named Simmons the starting strong safety to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Jessie Bates. In Week 3, Simmons tied his season-high of six combined tackles, made a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass thrown by Patrick Mahomes during a narrow 17-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He continued to make plays throughout the season and finished the 2024 NFL season with 62 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games with 16 starts.

Playing Style and Strengths

Justin Simmons is known for his exceptional range, ball skills, and instincts as a safety. His ability to play both safety positions adds flexibility to defensive schemes. Simmons has demonstrated consistent playmaking ability throughout his career, leading to 32 career interceptions and 71 pass deflections. His high football IQ allows him to read quarterbacks’ eyes and anticipate plays, while his tackling technique makes him a reliable force against the run. He has shown the durability to handle heavy workloads, having played every defensive snap in multiple seasons during his career.

Notable Events and Milestones

Simmons’ career has been marked by several memorable moments. His blocked extra point attempt against the New Orleans Saints in 2016, which was returned for a game-winning safety, showcased his athleticism and playmaking ability. His first career interception return for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in 2017 began a trend of turning takeaways into points. In 2023, he recorded the Broncos’ first interception of Patrick Mahomes in 16 games, helping end a historic losing streak against the Chiefs. His consistent production has resulted in numerous individual accolades, including multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections.

Justin Simmons Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning nine seasons, Justin Simmons has established himself as one of the most productive safeties in the league. His career totals include impressive numbers across all statistical categories, with his interception total standing out as particularly noteworthy.

NFL Career Totals

Simmons has accumulated 666 total tackles, 71 pass deflections, and 32 interceptions throughout his career. He has also recorded 4.5 sacks, forced five fumbles, recovered three fumbles, and scored one defensive touchdown. His 32 career interceptions rank him among the league leaders at the safety position during his career.

Season Highlights

Simmons’ best statistical season came in 2022 when he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with six. His 2020 season saw him set a career-high with five interceptions while also earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He has been a consistent presence in the secondary, starting over 130 games and appearing in over 140 games throughout his career.

Justin Simmons Family

Family Background

Justin Simmons was born to Victor Simmons and Kimberly Simmons in Manassas, Virginia. His multicultural family background includes his father, who is Black, and his mother, who is white. Simmons has two younger brothers, Nate and Tristan. His family has supported his football career throughout his journey from youth football through his professional career.

Personal Life

Simmons married his high school sweetheart Taryn Richard in 2016. Together, they have three children: two daughters named Laney and Shae, and a son named Kyler. Simmons frequently describes himself as a devout Christian and often speaks about the importance of his faith in his life and career. His family has been a constant source of support throughout his NFL journey, including during his time with both the Broncos and the Falcons.

2025 Season Outlook

As Justin Simmons enters the 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons, he brings a wealth of experience and proven production to the defensive secondary. At 31 years old, Simmons remains a reliable playmaker who can contribute both in coverage and against the run. His leadership qualities and football intelligence will be valuable assets for a Falcons defense looking to take the next step. The former Broncos star will look to build on his 2024 performance and help the Falcons compete in the NFC South division. His ability to create turnovers, as demonstrated by his 32 career interceptions, could prove crucial for a team seeking to improve its defensive metrics. Simmons’ presence in the defensive backfield provides stability and veteran leadership that can benefit younger players in the secondary.