NFL: Justin Simmons Retires as Denver Broncos Icon After Nine-Season Career

Justin Simmons, a cornerstone of the Denver Broncos’ secondary for nearly a decade, announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. The 32-year-old safety, who became one of the most consistent defensive forces in the league, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to finish his career as a member of the organization that first drafted him into the professional ranks.

For a safety, the game is largely about anticipation—the ability to read a quarterback’s eyes and diagnose a play before the ball even leaves the hand. Simmons mastered this art at the Mile High altitude, evolving from a third-round prospect into a perennial All-Pro who anchored the Broncos’ defense with a clinical approach to the ball and an innate sense of timing.

A Legacy Built in Denver

Simmons entered the league in 2016, selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round as the 98th overall pick. While many mid-round selections struggle to uncover a permanent role, Simmons quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the back conclude of the defense. His career in Denver, spanning from 2016 to 2023, was marked by a steady ascent in both skill and recognition.

His tenure in Colorado was defined by high-level consistency. Simmons didn’t just occupy space in the secondary. he dictated the terms of the engagement. His ability to play “centerfield”—covering vast swaths of the field to erase deep threats—made him an invaluable asset for multiple coaching regimes in Denver. This reliability earned him a place among the franchise’s all-time leaders in interceptions, where he currently sits tied for seventh in team history.

To provide some context for global readers, the safety position in American football is the last line of defense. A “free safety” like Simmons is responsible for preventing long touchdowns and providing a safety net for the rest of the defensive unit. Doing this effectively in Denver is particularly challenging due to the thin air of the high-altitude environment, which can affect both player stamina and the flight path of the football.

The Numbers Behind the Impact

The statistics from Simmons’ nine-season career reflect a player who was involved in nearly every facet of the defensive game. While interceptions often grab the headlines, his value was equally apparent in his tackle numbers and his ability to disrupt passes.

• Interceptions: Recorded 32 career interceptions, cementing his status as a premier ball-hawk.
• Tackles: Accumulated 666 total tackles, demonstrating his willingness to play physically in the run game.
• Pass Deflections: Forced 71 pass break-ups, consistently neutralizing opposing wide receivers.
• All-Pro Honors: Named a Second-team All-Pro four times (2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023).
• Pro Bowl Selections: Earned two Pro Bowl nods in 2020 and 2023.
• Other Contributions: Registered 4.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries, including one defensive touchdown.

From Boston College to the Final Bow

Simmons’ path to NFL stardom began at Boston College, where he played as a communication major. During his collegiate years, he showed versatility by playing both safety and cornerback, a flexibility that served him well when he transitioned to the professional level. His college career was highlighted by a Second-team All-ACC selection in 2015, which signaled his readiness for the NFL.

After eight seasons of dominance in Denver, Simmons had a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. While his time in Georgia was a departure from his long-term home, it did not diminish his connection to the Broncos. His decision to officially retire as a member of the Broncos reflects a mutual respect between the player and the franchise—a rarity in the modern era of professional sports where players frequently move between cities.

Retiring at 32, Simmons leaves the game while still possessing the intellectual capacity to compete at the highest level, opting instead to step away on his own terms. His departure leaves a significant void in the Broncos’ leadership locker room and a tactical challenge for the coaching staff, who must now find a way to replace the stability Simmons provided in the secondary.

Key Takeaways: The Career of Justin Simmons

• Franchise Icon: Retired as a Bronco after spending the vast majority of his nine-season career in Denver.
• Elite Consistency: A four-time Second-team All-Pro, proving his excellence over a multi-year span rather than a single “flash in the pan” season.
• Ball-Hawking Ability: Finished his career with 32 interceptions, ranking him among the top defenders in Broncos history.
• Versatility: Transitioned from a versatile college player at Boston College to a specialized, elite NFL safety.

The NFL community and the fans in Denver now look toward the next chapter for the Broncos’ defense. With the loss of a veteran leader and a tactical anchor, the team will likely prioritize safety depth in upcoming roster evaluations to fill the gap left by Simmons’ retirement.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the Broncos will be the official team press conference regarding the defensive reorganization, expected in the coming weeks.

What do you think was Justin Simmons’ most impactful moment in a Broncos uniform? Share your memories in the comments below.