Anchored in Faith, Simmons Excels at The Heights

Written by Sebastian Lena

Dedication. Leadership. Competitive spirit. Loyalty.

Those are all words commonly used to describe Boston College defensive back Justin Simmons. They're also qualities taken into consideration when determining the recipient of the Jay McGillis Memorial Scholarship, which was given to Simmons on Sept. 12.

The decision was hardly a surprise to those close to the senior.

"[Simmons] embodies all of the characteristics that Jay McGillis had," said Eagles defensive backs coach Kevin Lempa, who also coached McGillis. "As far as toughness, intelligence, being a team player, spirituality—he has all those qualities that [McGillis] did. You couldn't pick a better person to receive this honor."

But while many may know Simmons for his work on the field—he led the team with 76 tackles and two interceptions in 2014—the 6'3", 201-pounder would rather get recognition for his off-the-field work.

"My faith drives me the most," Simmons admitted. "It's really the reason why I do what I do; in sports and everything else in my life."

Growing up in a Baptist household in Stuart, Fla., Simmons was surrounded by religion.

He would attend church with his family every weekend without fail. During the week, Simmons would engulf himself with multiple Bible study classes. Even at home, he found himself asking his parents multiple questions about religion and God.

And as his faith grew, so did his athletic prowess.

"Given my athletic abilities and my passion for Christ, my parents and youth leader told me it was only natural that I become a leader," recalled Simmons. "So they kind of challenged me to step out from the crowd and show people that it's okay to go against the grain; that it's okay to separate yourself from the pack."

It's a message he almost didn't get a chance to spread.

Back in 2012, Simmons traded in the sunshine and palm trees for the endless snow and clam chowder. A bright-eyed freshman taking his first steps on the Chestnut Hill campus, Simmons expected a seamless transition.

However, it quickly proved to be anything but that.

"It was tough because I didn't play; I was getting knocked around on the scout team and school was hard," said Simmons. "Everything about that time period was absolutely difficult. And that's when I really needed to dig deep with my relationship with God and find it again."

At that same time, Simmons and teammate Alex Howell, a punter and placekicker on the team, were meeting with one of the athlete connection campus leaders.

The two were looking to form a Bible study group called "Athletes in Action" and create a platform for people around campus to gather and be able to get things off their chest in an environment they could trust. After working persistently through campus ministry, Simmons and Howell were able to get Athletes in Action recognized as group on campus.

Since then, the group's following has ballooned, taking away Simmons' doubts in the process.

"I think I just needed to step back and say, 'Why did I even come here in the first place? Why did I even play sports?'" he said. "I wanted to glorify God's name and everything he does, so if I quit, I'd be leaving a position that God put me in. I just had to refocus, stay patient and stay humble and have faith that good things will happen.

"Thankfully, I was able to stick around and see [Athletes in Action] grow, which has been such a blessing."

The Boston College football team is thankful Simmons stuck around too.

Over his three seasons, Simmons has racked up 162 tackles (3.0 for loss), forced two fumbles, recovered one fumble and recorded three interceptions. He was a large contributing factor to an Eagles defense that ranked 11th in the nation in total defense (324.2 yards per game) and second against the run (94.5 yards per game) last season.

But even through all his success, Simmons hasn't forgotten what brought him here.

On game days, you can find him donning a cross under his eye, drawn in eye paint. On his gloves, Simmons scribbles "Colossians 3:17" in reference to one of his favorite Bible verses.

It's no secret faith means the world to him, but that doesn't mean he judges those that don't follow his same viewpoint.

"I never push my faith upon others or look down on them for their beliefs," said Simmons. "I personally think that a relationship with Christ is developed between you and Him. I'm always open in my conversations about faith, but if someone doesn't want to know about it, I won't push them.

"But if someone is interested, I'll do my best to share with them what I know."

Boston College Athletics

Anchored in Faith, Simmons Excels at The Heights

Related News

Players Mentioned

Alex Howell

Justin Simmons

Related Videos