Boston College Athletics
Justin Simmons Announces Retirement from NFL
April 29, 2026 | Football
Former Eagles defensive back spent nine seasons with Denver and Atlanta
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Former Eagles defensive back Justin Simmons announced his retirement from the National Football League after nine seasons on Wednesday.Â
The Manassas, Va. native played in 134 career games with 124 starts between the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons, totaling 666 tackles, 32 interceptions, 71 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, two blocked field goals and one blocked extra point.Â
During his time in Denver, Simmons became one of five Broncos safeties all-time to be named a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro while with the team, finishing his career with two Pro Bowl and four All-Pro selections. In addition, he was the only defensive back in the NFL to be named an AP All-Pro in 2021 and 2022, and was a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year honoree by the Broncos organization.Â
As an Eagle on The Heights, Simmons played in 50 career games with 32 starts, registering 229 tackles, eight interceptions, 22 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He earned All-ACC Second Team honors as a senior in 2015 after helping the Eagles rank first in the country in total defense. Simmons also recorded a team-best 76 tackles after starting 13 games as a junior in 2014. Â
Simmons officially retires as a member of the Broncos, where he played eight of his nine NFL seasons.Â
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The Manassas, Va. native played in 134 career games with 124 starts between the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons, totaling 666 tackles, 32 interceptions, 71 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, two blocked field goals and one blocked extra point.Â
During his time in Denver, Simmons became one of five Broncos safeties all-time to be named a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro while with the team, finishing his career with two Pro Bowl and four All-Pro selections. In addition, he was the only defensive back in the NFL to be named an AP All-Pro in 2021 and 2022, and was a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year honoree by the Broncos organization.Â
As an Eagle on The Heights, Simmons played in 50 career games with 32 starts, registering 229 tackles, eight interceptions, 22 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He earned All-ACC Second Team honors as a senior in 2015 after helping the Eagles rank first in the country in total defense. Simmons also recorded a team-best 76 tackles after starting 13 games as a junior in 2014. Â
Simmons officially retires as a member of the Broncos, where he played eight of his nine NFL seasons.Â
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