Roy Simmons (American football) facts for kids
| No. 69, 60 | |
| Born: | November 8, 1956 Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Died: | February 20, 2014 (aged 57) Bronx, New York |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Guard |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| NFL draft | 1979 / Round: 8 / Pick: 201 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1979–1982 | New York Giants |
| 1983 | Washington Redskins |
| Career stats | |
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Roy Franklin Simmons (born November 8, 1956 – died February 20, 2014) was an American football player. He played as a guard in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. With the Redskins, he played in Super Bowl XVIII.
Early Life and School Football
Roy Simmons was born in Savannah, Georgia. He grew up with five brothers and sisters. At Alfred E. Beach High School in Savannah, Roy became a very talented football player. Many colleges wanted him to play for them. He chose to play at Georgia Tech. At Georgia Tech, his friends gave him the nickname "Sugarbear" because he was a fun and friendly person.
Playing Professional Football
After playing football at Georgia Tech, Roy Simmons was chosen by the New York Giants in the 1979 NFL Draft. He was picked in the eighth round. After joining the team, Roy moved his three younger brothers to New Jersey to live with him. Later, his mother and other family members also moved in.
Roy was a regular player on the offensive line in his first year. By 1980, he started every game (all 16 games) as the left guard. This meant he was a very important part of the team's offense.
In 1981, Roy lost his starting position. He left the Giants before the 1982 season. He said he felt tired mentally from playing. After a short time working at an airport, he tried to rejoin the Giants in 1983 but did not make the team. Then, the Washington Redskins signed him. He played in the 1984 Super Bowl with the Redskins.
Roy Simmons also played briefly in the United States Football League. His professional football career ended by 1985.
Later Life and Legacy
After his football career, Roy Simmons lived alone. He was a born-again Christian. His book, Out of Bounds, was published in 2006. That same year, he asked the NFL for special access and tickets to the Super Bowl, but his request was not approved.
Roy Simmons passed away on February 20, 2014, in his apartment in Bronx, New York. He was 57 years old.
In 2019, former NBA player Al Harrington shared that Roy Simmons was his cousin. Al Harrington said that when he was a child, his dream was to play for the New York Giants, just like his older cousin Roy.
