Isaiah Simmons Bio
Isaiah Simmons is an American professional football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals eighth overall in the 2020 NFL draft. While at Clemson, Simmons was noted for his positional versatility as he played linebacker, defensive end, cornerback and safety. He has continued to be recognized for his range and athleticism since entering the league.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 238 pounds, Simmons combines size with rare speed for the linebacker position. He has spent time with multiple NFL franchises since being drafted, building a reputation as a versatile defender capable of contributing in coverage, run support, and on special teams.
Early Life and Background
Isaiah Simmons was born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 26, 1998. He grew up in the Midwest and later moved to the Kansas City area, where he attended Olathe North High School in Olathe, Kansas. At Olathe North, he played defensive back and wide receiver, showcasing the kind of two-way athleticism that would later define his reputation.
During his high school years, Simmons developed into a highly recruited prospect, drawing attention from college programs across the country. He committed to Clemson University in February 2016, choosing the Tigers for their tradition of developing top defensive talent. His path from Omaha to the high school fields of Kansas helped shape the discipline and work ethic that would carry him to the highest level of the sport.
Path to American Football
Simmons arrived at Clemson in 2016 and redshirted his first year with the program, using the time to learn the defensive system and build his body for the college level. As a sophomore in 2017, he played safety and appeared in 14 games, recording 49 tackles and one sack. His play hinted at the larger role he would soon assume.
In 2018, Simmons converted to linebacker, and the move immediately elevated his impact on the Tigers’ defense. In a game against Louisville that season, he had a 27-yard pick six in a 77–16 victory, and he finished the year with 97 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception across 15 games. Rather than enter the 2019 NFL draft, he returned to Clemson to further refine his game.
Isaiah Simmons Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Simmons’ college career peaked in 2019, when he delivered one of the most decorated seasons by a Clemson defender. He won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker and was named a unanimous All-American. He was also recognized as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned first-team All-ACC honors.
After graduating in December 2019 with a degree in sports communication, Simmons announced that he would forgo his senior year by declaring for the 2020 NFL draft. He left Clemson as a CFP national champion, having been part of the Tigers’ 2018 title run, and as one of the most versatile defenders in college football history.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2020–2022)
Simmons participated in the 2020 NFL Combine, leading all linebackers with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. He was one of 58 players invited to the 2020 NFL Draft, which was held virtually due to social distancing regulations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, where he was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the eighth overall pick.
Despite playing only five snaps in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, Simmons recorded his first career interception off Russell Wilson with a minute left in overtime, helping the Cardinals win 37–34. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In 2021, he started all 17 games, finishing third on the team with 105 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and seven passes defensed.
In Week 7 of the 2022 season against the New Orleans Saints, Simmons recorded five tackles and returned an interception 56 yards for his first NFL touchdown in the second quarter of a 42–34 win. He finished the 2022 campaign with four sacks, 99 total tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery across 17 games and 13 starts. On May 1, 2023, the Cardinals declined the fifth-year option of his contract, making him a free agent.
New York Giants Era (2023–2024)
Simmons was traded to the New York Giants on August 24, 2023, in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He quickly became a key contributor on defense and special teams, finishing the 2023 season with one sack, 50 total tackles, one interception, three passes defended, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble in 17 games and four starts. During a Week 11 game against the Washington Commanders, he intercepted a pass off Sam Howell and returned it for a touchdown, sealing the victory.
On April 5, 2024, the Giants re-signed Simmons to a one-year, $2 million contract. On October 6, in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, he blocked a potential game-tying field goal from Jason Myers, which was returned for a touchdown by Bryce Ford-Wheaton, as the Giants won 29-20. He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.
Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers Era (2025)
On April 29, 2025, Simmons signed with the Green Bay Packers. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. Shortly after, on November 25, 2025, Simmons signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, where he currently plays linebacker.
Driving Style and Strengths
Simmons is best known for his positional versatility, having played safety, linebacker, defensive end, and cornerback across his football career. His rare combination of size and speed allows him to cover slot receivers, rush the passer, and play in the box against the run. He is also a reliable contributor on special teams, evidenced by his NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
Notable Events and Milestones
Simmons’ signature moments include his overtime interception of Russell Wilson in 2020, his 56-yard interception return for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in 2022, and his blocked field goal against the Seattle Seahawks in 2024. He is also a CFP national champion and a Butkus Award winner, milestones that mark him as one of the most accomplished Clemson defenders of his era.
Isaiah Simmons Career Wins
While linebacker statistics differ from win totals in other sports, Simmons has accumulated impressive production across his NFL career, including a PFWA All-Rookie Team selection in 2020, a weekly Defensive or Special Teams award, and multiple seasons of 90-plus tackles. He has also been part of winning locker rooms at every NFL stop, including a 2018 college national championship.
NFL Highlights
Simmons’ first NFL win came in dramatic fashion with his overtime interception of Russell Wilson in 2020. He has since produced multiple seasons of high tackle totals, including 105 in 2021 and 99 in 2022, while also contributing in the passing game with multiple interceptions and pass breakups.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, Simmons was part of Clemson’s 2018 CFP national championship squad, capping one of the most decorated individual seasons in program history. His 2019 campaign earned him All-American, All-ACC, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and Butkus Award honors.
Isaiah Simmons Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available verified information about Isaiah Simmons’ parents and immediate family is limited. He was raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and later moved to Olathe, Kansas, where he attended Olathe North High School.
Personal Life
Simmons graduated from Clemson University in December 2019 with a degree in sports communication. He is active on social media, with public accounts on Instagram and X, where he connects with fans.
2025 Season Performance
Simmons began the 2025 season with the Green Bay Packers, signing in April before being released as part of final roster cuts in late August. His time in Green Bay was brief, but it kept him in an NFL camp and prepared him for his next opportunity.
On November 25, 2025, he signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, joining a defense looking for veteran linebacker depth. The move positions him to contribute in the final stretch of the 2025 season and compete for a larger role going forward.
Looking ahead, Simmons’ 2025 season is a transitional chapter that highlights his resilience and adaptability. With multiple teams already trusting his versatility, he remains a valuable asset for any defense seeking a flexible, experienced linebacker.