Justin Simmons deserving of more recognition following retirement

Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Safety Justin Simmons deserving of more recognition for career with Broncos following retirement from NFL

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 2:10 PM ET

Safety Justin Simmons was a victim of poor timing.

The Denver Broncos drafted the former Boston College Eagles star with pick No. 98 in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. It initially appeared to be a great situation for the incoming rookie, as the Broncos were coming off a Super Bowl 50 win in quarterback Peyton Manning's final season.

Simmons, however, didn't get to taste that success during his eight seasons in the Mile High City. The Broncos never made the playoffs during the safety's eight-year tenure.

When the team released him following the 2023 season, it seemed like a stroke of good luck. Turns out that was ill-timed, too. After taking QB Bo Nix with pick No. 12 in the 2024 draft, the Broncos went 10-7 and snapped their postseason drought.

What an honor. 10 years to the day…Thank you https://t.co/B1jaiQMCPe
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) April 29, 2026

Simmons, 32, won't get a chance to pursue a Lombardi Trophy after announcing his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. While the star defender experienced little team success during his time in Denver, his individual contributions to the organization shouldn't be overlooked.

Justin Simmons deserves more recognition for career with Broncos

Simmons, who spent his final season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, signed a one-day contract Wednesday to retire as a Bronco, exactly 10 years after the team drafted him.

"I would love to be remembered not just as a Bronco, but just as a man that gave his all to the team, to the city," Simmons told Aric DiLalla of the team website. "Even in my letter to Broncos country when I got let go, 'I don't live with regrets.' I always tell everyone I walk with a sense of purpose and understanding of everything happens for a reason. And the one thing I wish I could get on was just getting back to the postseason.

"There were a lot of positive things that happened individually, but I really hold and carry a lot of weight as a team leader, as a captain, of not being able to promise that stuff, though. So, I just want to be remembered as someone who gave his all and tried his best."

The fan base should remember him for more than that. It should rank him among the top defensive backs in club history.

Simmons earned four second-team All-Pro nods and made two Pro Bowls with Denver. He's tied with former safety Dennis Smith for seventh in team history in interceptions (30) and ranks third in passes defended (64).

Simmons told DiLalla he plans to watch Bronco games not in the suites but in the stands or at a tailgate to better connect with fans. If any of those spectators see him, they should give him a "Mile High Salute."

Simmons was one of the few bright spots during one of the franchise's most unprosperous periods. And for that, he should always be well-remembered in Broncos Country.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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