Justin Simmons (American football) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Justin Simmons

Simmons with the Denver Broncos in 2019
No. 31 – Atlanta Falcons
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(1993-11-19) November 19, 1993 (age 31) Manassas, Virginia, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:	Martin County (Stuart, Florida)
College:	Boston College (2012–2015)
NFL Draft:	2016 / Round: 3 / Pick: 98
Career history
Denver Broncos (2016) Atlanta Falcons (2024–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
4× Second-team All-Pro (2019, 2021–2023) 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2023) NFL Interceptions co-leader (2022) Second-team All-ACC (2015)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024
Total tackles: 666 Sacks: 4.5 Pass deflections: 71 Interceptions: 32 Forced fumbles: 5 Fumble recoveries: 3 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Justin Simmons (born November 19, 1993) is an American professional football safety. He plays for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the Falcons, he played for the Denver Broncos. He played college football for the Boston College Eagles and was chosen by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.

College Football Career

Justin Simmons went to Boston College. He studied communication there. During his time at college, he played two important defensive positions: safety and cornerback.

As a freshman in 2012, he played in all 12 games. He started as a free safety and also as a cornerback. He made 52 tackles and caused two fumbles. In 2013, as a sophomore, he played in all 13 games. He recorded 34 tackles and broke up three passes.

In 2014, as a junior, he started every game. He played free safety and then moved to right cornerback because of team injuries. He led his team with 76 tackles and had two interceptions. He also broke up five passes.

Before his senior season in 2015, he received a special award. He started all 12 games as a free safety. He had 67 tackles and was tied for second in his conference with five interceptions. He also recovered three fumbles. Because of his great play, he was named Second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Professional Football Career

Before the NFL Draft

Justin Simmons showed off his skills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He performed very well in speed and agility drills. He had one of the best times in the 20-yard shuttle, which tests quickness. He also did well in the 60-yard shuttle and the three-cone drill.

After the combine, he met with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. Experts thought he would be picked in the third round of the NFL draft. He was considered one of the top safety players available.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos chose Justin Simmons in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was the seventh safety picked that year. He was also one of only two players drafted from Boston College.

First Seasons (2016-2017)

In May 2016, Simmons signed a four-year contract with the Broncos. He started his first season as a backup safety. He made his NFL debut in the first game against the Carolina Panthers. He recorded his first career sack in Week 8.

Simmons playing for the Denver Broncos in his rookie season.

A big moment happened in November 2016 against the New Orleans Saints. Simmons blocked an extra point attempt. His teammate, Will Parks, picked up the ball and ran it back for a game-winning safety. This play helped the Broncos win 25–23. Simmons got his first start in Week 15 and his first interception in Week 16. He finished his rookie year with 30 tackles and two interceptions.

In 2017, Simmons became the starting strong safety for the Broncos. He had a great game in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. He intercepted a pass and ran it back 65 yards for his first career touchdown. Unfortunately, he injured his ankle later that season and missed the last few games. He ended the season with 68 tackles, two interceptions, and one touchdown.

Becoming a Key Player (2018-2019)

Simmons became the starting free safety in 2018. He played in all 16 games and was on the field for every single defensive play. He had a career-high 97 tackles and three interceptions.

In 2019, Simmons continued to be a top player. He had a strong season with 93 tackles, 15 pass deflections, and four interceptions. He was the highest-rated safety in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. For the second year in a row, he played every defensive snap. He was also named a second-team All-Pro player, which means he was one of the best at his position in the entire league.

Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors (2020-2021)

In 2020, the Broncos used the "franchise tag" on Simmons, which kept him with the team for another year. He continued to make big plays, including a game-sealing interception against the Miami Dolphins. He was voted to his first Pro Bowl in 2020, an honor given to the best players in the NFL. He finished the season with 96 tackles and a career-high five interceptions.

Simmons in 2021

The Broncos placed the franchise tag on him again in 2021. Soon after, he signed a big four-year contract extension. He had another excellent season, starting all 17 games. He recorded 80 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and five interceptions. His strong play earned him another second-team All-Pro selection.

Leading the League in Interceptions (2022-2023)

In 2022, Simmons started the season strong but suffered a quad injury in Week 1. He missed four games but returned to play well. He had a fantastic game against the Baltimore Ravens, making two interceptions and forcing a fumble. He also had two interceptions against the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 18, he set a career-high with his sixth interception of the season against Patrick Mahomes. He led the NFL in interceptions that year, even though he only played 12 games. He was named to the NFL Top 100 Players list.

In 2023, Simmons continued to be a key player. He helped the Broncos break a long losing streak against the Kansas City Chiefs by getting an interception and a fumble recovery. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. He finished the season with 70 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was voted to his second Pro Bowl and earned his third straight second-team All-Pro selection. After eight seasons, the Broncos released him in March 2024.

Atlanta Falcons

2024 Season

On August 15, 2024, the Atlanta Falcons signed Justin Simmons to a one-year contract. He quickly earned a starting spot as a strong safety for the team. In Week 3, he intercepted a pass from Patrick Mahomes during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also had another interception in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He finished his first season with the Falcons with 62 tackles and two interceptions.

NFL Career Statistics

Personal Life

Justin Simmons was born in 1993 to Victor and Kimberly Simmons. He has two younger brothers named Nate and Tristan.

In 2016, Justin married his high school sweetheart, Taryn Richard. They have two daughters, Laney and Shae, and a son named Kyler. Justin often talks about his strong Christian faith.

When he was younger, in 2009, Justin played in a state basketball championship game in Florida.