A former NFL All-Pro is ready to start working on that bucket list.
Veteran safety Justin Simmons announced in a post to social media on Wednesday that he is retiring from the NFL. Simmons is signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Denver Broncos, who drafted him exactly 10 years to the day before his retirement.
Simmons, still only 32 years old, was originally selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Broncos (No. 98 overall). He then proceeded to blossom into one of the top players in the league at his position, making four All-Pro teams in Denver to go with two Pro Bowl selections and the NFL’s interceptions co-leader title in 2022.
After spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Broncos, Simmons was released by the team and went on to sign with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. During his one season for the Falcons in 2024, Simmons made 16 starts and logged 62 combined tackles, seven passes defended, and two interceptions.
Simmons ultimately sat out the 2025 NFL season after not getting the money or the opportunity that he had been hoping for. Now he is officially calling it quits after nine total seasons and over $70 million in career earnings.
The former Boston College star Simmons has a secure legacy as a beloved Bronco. He went viral a few years ago for his awesome tribute to his late former teammate Demaryius Thomas and now gets to retire with the franchise where it all began for him.
