Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons Bio

Justin Simmons is an American professional football safety born on November 19, 1993, in Manassas, Virginia. He played college football at Boston College and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Simmons earned a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable defensive backs, collecting multiple All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selections. He later played for the Atlanta Falcons before ultimately retiring as a member of the Denver Broncos.

Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 215 pounds, Simmons built his game on instincts, range, and ball-hawking ability. He is widely recognized for his leadership in the secondary and his consistency on the field across multiple defensive schemes.

Early Life and Background

Justin Simmons was born in Manassas, Virginia, and raised in a supportive household by his parents, Victor Simmons and Kimberly Simmons. His father is Black and his mother is white, and he grew up alongside two younger brothers, Nate and Tristan. Although he was born in Virginia, Simmons later moved to Stuart, Florida, where he attended Martin County High School and began to develop as a multi-sport athlete.

At Martin County, Simmons competed in both football and basketball, sharpening the athletic foundation that would later define his professional career. In the summer of 2009, he played in the USSSA U15 Florida state basketball championship game in Gainesville, a testament to his versatility as a young athlete. His performance on the gridiron in high school attracted college attention and set the stage for his future at the next level.

Simmons’ upbringing in a tight-knit family shaped his discipline and character. He has frequently spoken about the influence of his parents and the values they instilled in him. These formative years helped him transition smoothly into the demands of collegiate football.

Path to American Football

After high school, Justin Simmons committed to Boston College, where he enrolled as a communication major in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. He joined the Eagles in 2012 and quickly found a role on defense, appearing in all 12 games as a freshman and starting seven contests at free safety and cornerback. That year, he recorded 52 tackles and tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles.

Over the next three seasons, Simmons became a fixture in the Boston College secondary. As a junior in 2014, he led the team with 76 tackles and added two interceptions, even shifting to right cornerback mid-season due to team injuries. In his senior year, he earned the Jay McGillis Memorial Scholarship Award and posted five interceptions, finishing tied for 20th in the nation in that category. His strong senior campaign resulted in Second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 2015.

Entering the pre-draft process, Simmons impressed scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine, posting the fastest 20-yard shuttle time since 2006 and tying for the best 60-yard shuttle since 2014. Projected as a third-round pick, he was ultimately selected 98th overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2016 NFL Draft, becoming the first safety drafted from Boston College since 2006.

Justin Simmons Career

Early Career (2016–2017)

Justin Simmons began his NFL career as a backup safety in Denver, but he wasted little time making an impact. In his rookie season, he recorded his first career sack against the San Diego Chargers and memorably blocked an extra point attempt against the New Orleans Saints, leading to an 84-yard game-winning two-point return by teammate Will Parks. He finished 2016 with 30 combined tackles, two interceptions, and one sack in 13 games.

By his second season in 2017, Simmons had earned the starting strong safety role. He notched his first career interception return for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins and posted 68 combined tackles before a late-season ankle injury sent him to injured reserve. His development through these early years laid the groundwork for his emergence as a defensive cornerstone in Denver.

Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2018–2020)

Simmons broke out in 2018 under new head coach Vance Joseph, starting all 16 games and recording a career-high 97 combined tackles with three interceptions. He played every defensive snap that season, signaling his durability and importance to the Broncos’ defense. In 2019, under first-year head coach Vic Fangio, he elevated his game further, earning the highest overall grade among NFL safeties from Pro Football Focus at 90.8 and was named second-team All-Pro.

By 2020, Simmons was widely regarded as one of the premier safeties in football. He set a career high with five interceptions and was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time. He was also ranked 45th among his peers in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021, cementing his status as a defensive leader.

Following the 2020 season, Simmons signed a four-year, $61 million contract extension with Denver, including $35 million in guarantees. He continued to produce at a high level, recording five interceptions in 2021 and earning a Second-team All-Pro selection. Across the 2018–2021 stretch, he missed very few defensive snaps and remained a model of consistency.

Atlanta Falcons Era (2024–2024)

After eight seasons in Denver, Justin Simmons was released by the Broncos in March 2024. He signed a one-year, $7.5 million fully guaranteed contract with the Atlanta Falcons in August 2024. Joining a competitive safety room, he won the starting strong safety role under defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and started all 16 games of the season.

During the 2024 season, Simmons recorded 62 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions. One of his interceptions came off Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, underscoring his ability to compete against top competition. His veteran presence helped anchor the Falcons’ secondary throughout the year.

Driving Style and Strengths

Simmons built his reputation on sharp instincts, ball-hawking skills, and reliable tackling in space. He excelled at reading quarterbacks’ eyes and breaking on routes, consistently producing takeaways. His football intelligence allowed him to play every defensive snap, and his ability to align at both free and strong safety made him a versatile chess piece for multiple defensive coordinators.

Notable Events and Milestones

One of the signature moments of Justin Simmons’ early career came in 2016 when he blocked a New Orleans Saints extra point attempt, leading to a game-winning two-point conversion return. In 2022, he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with six picks, and in 2023, he played a central role in Denver ending a 16-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Justin Simmons Career Wins

Across his NFL career, Justin Simmons was a steady and productive player rather than a high-volume tackler defined by flashy counting stats. He was a four-time second-team All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler, recognition that reflected his steady impact on winning defenses. He also tied for the NFL lead in interceptions during the 2022 season, a clear marker of his ball-hawking value.

Denver Broncos Highlights

During his eight seasons with the Denver Broncos, Simmons started the bulk of the team’s defensive games and developed into one of the league’s top safeties. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2023. His interception total in Denver climbed into the upper tiers of the franchise record book, and he was consistently ranked among the best safeties in football by his peers.

Atlanta Falcons Highlights

In his single season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Simmons served as a starting strong safety and delivered two interceptions and seven pass deflections. His leadership and experience were valuable assets for a Falcons defense in transition. He was released at the end of the 2024 season.

Justin Simmons Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Justin Simmons was raised by his parents, Victor Simmons and Kimberly Simmons. He has two younger brothers, Nate and Tristan, who have been a source of support throughout his career. Family has remained a central part of his identity as a public figure and athlete.

Personal Life

Justin Simmons married his high school sweetheart, Taryn Richard, in 2016. The couple has three children: daughters Laney and Shae, and a son named Kyler. Simmons has frequently described himself as a devout Christian, and his faith has played a meaningful role in his life and career.

2025 Season Performance

Justin Simmons did not play during the 2025 NFL season following his release by the Atlanta Falcons at the end of the 2024 campaign. He remained a free agent through the year and focused on his personal and family commitments. His career NFL totals include 666 combined tackles, 32 interceptions, 71 pass deflections, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown.

On April 29, 2026, Simmons signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Denver Broncos, the franchise where he spent the majority of his career. The symbolic signing allowed him to formally conclude his playing days in Denver. His legacy with the Broncos, bolstered by four All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl nods, remained intact heading into retirement.

Looking ahead, Simmons is expected to explore opportunities in media, coaching, or community work, drawing on his leadership and experience. His impact as a model professional and elite safety continues to be felt across the league.