Jeffery Simmons Bio
Jeffery Bernard Simmons Jr. (born July 28, 1997) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and was selected by the Titans with the 19th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. A disruptive interior lineman, Simmons has developed into one of the league’s most consistent defensive tackles, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.
Early Life and Background
Jeffery Bernard Simmons Jr. was born on July 28, 1997, in Jena, Louisiana. He grew up in a family with deep football roots, eventually finishing his high school career at Noxubee County High School in Mississippi, where he became one of the most coveted defensive line prospects in the country. Considered a five-star recruit, Simmons was ranked among the top players nationally and drew attention from several elite college football programs.
His brother, Dylan Bradley, played football at Southern Miss and spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, while his uncle, Jason Hatcher, played ten total seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. Simmons was also a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll during his college years, reflecting his commitment to academics alongside athletics.
Path to American Football
Simmons committed to Mississippi State over programs such as Alabama and Ole Miss, choosing the Bulldogs as the best fit to develop his game at the defensive tackle position. He played in 12 games as a true freshman in 2016, starting three, and gained valuable early experience against Southeastern Conference competition. His breakout came in 2017, when he emerged as one of the most dominant interior defenders in college football.
Following the 2018 season, in which he earned First-team All-SEC recognition for the second consecutive year and was also awarded the Conerly Trophy, Simmons declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. On February 12, 2019, he tore his ACL while training for the draft, raising concerns about his immediate NFL future. Despite the injury, his talent and potential kept him firmly in the first-round conversation.
Jeffery Simmons Career
Early Career (2019)
The Tennessee Titans selected Simmons in the first round with the 19th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. On May 22, 2019, he signed a four-year, $12.66 million rookie contract that included a $7.23 million signing bonus and a team option for a fifth year. He began the season on the reserve/non-football injury list while continuing his recovery from the torn ACL.
Simmons was activated on October 19, 2019, and made his NFL debut the next day against the Los Angeles Chargers, recording four tackles and a sack of Philip Rivers in a 23–20 victory. He started all seven games from Weeks 8 to 15, finishing the regular season with 32 tackles, two sacks, and one pass deflection. He then played all three playoff games as the Titans upset the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
NFL Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Simmons continued his rise during the 2020 season, appearing in and starting 15 games. He posted three sacks, 49 total tackles, five passes defended, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 9 performance against the Chicago Bears, when he forced a fumble on David Montgomery that was returned 63 yards for a touchdown. He finished the year ranked 78th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.
In 2021, Simmons started all 17 games and recorded 8.5 sacks, 54 total tackles, and six passes defended, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro honors. He followed that with another strong season in 2022, starting 15 games with 7.5 sacks, 54 tackles, seven passes defended, and one forced fumble. That year brought a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod and another Second-team All-Pro selection. The Titans also picked up his fifth-year option on April 27, 2022.
Tennessee Titans Era (2023–Present)
On April 7, 2023, Simmons signed a four-year, $94 million contract extension with the Titans, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the franchise. During the 2023 season, he appeared in 12 games before being placed on season-ending injured reserve in December. He finished with 5.5 sacks, 44 tackles, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, and notably scored his first NFL touchdown on a two-yard reception from quarterback Will Levis after being declared an eligible receiver in Week 11.
Simmons returned to form in 2024, appearing in 16 games and posting career highs with 76 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and four pass deflections. His strong play earned him a third Pro Bowl nomination as a replacement for injured defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.
Driving Style and Strengths
Simmons is widely respected for his combination of size, power, and quickness at the defensive tackle position. He excels at occupying multiple blockers, disrupting running lanes, and collapsing the pocket against the pass. His consistency, motor, and leadership have made him a central figure in the Titans’ defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his statistical milestones, Simmons has been part of several dramatic team moments, including the Titans’ 2019 playoff upset of the Baltimore Ravens and his 2023 touchdown as an eligible receiver. His four Pro Bowl selections across 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 further highlight his sustained excellence at the position.
Jeffery Simmons Career Wins
While defensive tackles are not typically evaluated by win totals in the traditional sense, Simmons has accumulated impressive individual and team achievements throughout his career. His combination of Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and consistent statistical production underscores his value as one of the premier interior defenders in the NFL.
NFL Highlights
Simmons has been selected to four Pro Bowls, in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, and earned Second-team All-Pro recognition in 2021 and 2022. He has appeared in multiple playoff games, including the 2019 AFC Championship run, and has been recognized among his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list multiple times.
Other Performances
In college, Simmons was a two-time First-team All-SEC selection (2017, 2018) and won the Conerly Trophy in 2018, capping a decorated career at Mississippi State before becoming a top-20 NFL Draft pick.
Jeffery Simmons Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Simmons comes from a football family. His brother, Dylan Bradley, played football at Southern Miss and spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, while his uncle, Jason Hatcher, played ten seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. Away from football, Simmons enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors.
Personal Life
Simmons has a son named Jeffery Jr. and two sisters, Brooke and Ashley. He signed a four-year, $94 million contract extension with the Titans in 2023 that runs through the 2026 season. In December 2025, his home was broken into while the team was in Santa Clara, California to play the San Francisco 49ers.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Simmons remains a foundational piece of the Tennessee Titans’ defense as he continues his contract that runs through 2026. His selection as a Pro Bowler in 2025 reflects his continued production and reputation around the league, even as the Titans continue building around younger pieces on both sides of the ball.
Simmons’ combination of experience, leadership, and on-field disruption makes him a key factor in the Titans’ defensive outlook. With veteran presence along the defensive front and his track record of consistent play, he is expected to remain a focal point of the team’s game plan week to week during the 2025 campaign.