Justin Simmons Bio
Justin Simmons is an American professional football safety born on November 19, 1993, in Manassas, Virginia. He played college football at Boston College and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Simmons has been recognized for his exceptional skills on the field, earning multiple accolades including Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. In 2024, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, continuing to build on his impressive NFL career.
Early Life and Background
Justin Simmons was born to Victor and Kimberly Simmons in 1993 and grew up in Manassas, Virginia. His father is black and his mother is white, and he has two younger brothers, Nate and Tristan. He attended Martin County High School, where he played football and also developed his basketball skills. In the summer of 2009, Simmons played in the USSSA U15 Florida state basketball championship game in Gainesville, showcasing his versatility as an athlete from a young age.
Simmons frequently describes himself as a devout Christian, a faith that has shaped his personal life and approach to the game. His family provided a supportive environment that allowed him to pursue multiple sports during his formative years. The combination of athletic talent and strong family values helped lay the groundwork for his future in competitive football.
Path to American Football
Simmons attended Boston College, where he enrolled as a communication major in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. While at Boston College, he played both safety and cornerback, demonstrating his flexibility in the secondary. In 2012, as a freshman, he appeared in all 12 of the Eagles’ games, starting six at free safety and one at cornerback, finishing seventh on the team with 52 tackles and tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles.
As a sophomore in 2013, he appeared in all 13 games and recorded 34 tackles, 22 solo tackles, and three pass break-ups. In 2014, as a junior, he started all 13 games, leading the team with 76 tackles and two interceptions. Before his senior season, he was awarded the Jay McGillis Memorial Scholarship Award. In 2015, he started all 12 games at free safety and was named Second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), setting the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Justin Simmons Career
Early Career (2016)
The Denver Broncos selected Justin Simmons in the third round (98th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was the seventh safety drafted that year and the first of only two players taken from Boston College. On May 13, 2016, the Broncos signed him to a four-year, $3.06 million contract that included a signing bonus of $645,420. Simmons entered training camp slated as the primary backup safety behind Darian Stewart.
Simmons made his NFL debut in the Broncos’ season-opener against the Carolina Panthers and recorded one tackle in a narrow 21-20 victory. During his rookie season, he recorded his first career sack against Philip Rivers, blocked an extra point attempt that led to a game-winning safety against the New Orleans Saints, and earned his first career interception off Alex Smith. He finished his rookie year with 30 combined tackles, two interceptions, and one sack in 13 games and three starts.
Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2017-2019)
In 2017, new head coach Vance Joseph named Simmons the starting strong safety, releasing T. J. Ward as part of the final roster cuts. During Week 6, he collected a season-high 11 solo tackles against the New York Giants, and on December 3, 2017, he returned an interception for his first career touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. He finished the season with 68 combined tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown in 13 games and 13 starts.
In 2018, Simmons started all 16 games and recorded a career-high 97 combined tackles, three interceptions, and four pass deflections while playing every single defensive snap for the first time in his career. In 2019, under new head coach Vic Fangio, he completed the season with 93 combined tackles, 15 pass deflections, and four interceptions. He was the highest-graded safety in the NFL that year with an overall grade of 90.8 from Pro Football Focus and was elected as a second-team All-Pro.
Denver Broncos Prime (2020-2023)
On March 13, 2020, the Denver Broncos placed the franchise tag on Simmons, and he signed the one-year tender worth $11.441 million. During the 2020 season, he started in every game and finished with 96 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, and a career-high five interceptions. His performance earned him a spot as the 45th best player voted among his peers in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021, and on December 21, 2020, he was voted to the 2021 Pro Bowl.
On March 19, 2021, the Denver Broncos and Simmons agreed upon a four-year, $61.00 million contract extension that included $35.00 million guaranteed. In 2022, he recorded six interceptions and was named second-team All-Pro. In 2023, he played a large role in the Broncos ending their 16-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He was voted to the 2024 Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro for the third consecutive season. On March 7, 2024, the Denver Broncos released Simmons after eight seasons in order to save $14.5 million.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024-Present)
On August 15, 2024, the Atlanta Falcons signed Justin Simmons to a one-year, $7.50 million contract that was fully guaranteed upon signing and also included a signing bonus of $4.75 million. Although signed towards the end of training camp, he competed for a role as a starting safety and was chosen by defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake to be the starting strong safety alongside free safety Jessie Bates. In Week 3, he intercepted a pass thrown by Patrick Mahomes during a 17-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
On December 16, 2024, Simmons had a season-high two pass deflections and intercepted a pass thrown by Desmond Ridder in the Falcons’ 15-9 victory at the Las Vegas Raiders. He finished the 2024 NFL season with 62 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts. He received an overall grade of 59.9 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 113th among 171 qualifying safeties in 2024.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Justin Simmons’s most memorable moments came on November 13, 2016, when he leaped over the offensive line and blocked an extra point attempt by Saints’ kicker Wil Lutz. The ball was recovered by Broncos teammate Will Parks and returned for an 84-yard game-winning safety as the Broncos defeated the Saints 25-23. In 2022, he led the NFL with six interceptions and tied for the league lead in that category. In 2023, he was instrumental in helping the Broncos end their 16-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs, recording two tackles, a fumble recovery, and a fourth-quarter interception in a 24-9 victory.
Justin Simmons Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Justin Simmons has established himself as one of the premier safeties in the league, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. He has accumulated 30 career interceptions across his time with the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons. His consistent play and ball-hawking skills have made him a key contributor to every defense he has joined.
NFL Highlights
Simmons recorded his first career interception on December 25, 2016, off a pass by Alex Smith, returning it for a 38-yard gain. In 2020, he set a career-high with five interceptions and was voted to his first Pro Bowl. He matched that career-high with six interceptions in 2022, earning second-team All-Pro honors. Most recently, in 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons, he recorded two interceptions in 16 starts, including picks off Patrick Mahomes and Desmond Ridder.
Other Wins and Performances
During his college career at Boston College, Justin Simmons was named Second-team All-ACC in 2015 and was awarded the Jay McGillis Memorial Scholarship Award before his senior season. He was also named to Phil Steele’s All-American Fourth Team and ProFootballFocus.com All-America honorable mention, showcasing his recognition as one of the top defensive backs in college football.
Justin Simmons Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Justin Simmons was raised in a supportive household by his parents, Victor and Kimberly Simmons. He has two younger brothers, Nate and Tristan, who have been part of his close-knit family throughout his life and career. His mixed-race heritage and strong family values have been important parts of his identity.
Personal Life
Justin Simmons married his high school sweetheart, Taryn Richard, in 2016. Together, they have two daughters, Laney and Shae, as well as a son, Kyler. Simmons frequently describes himself as a devout Christian, and his faith plays a central role in his personal life and professional approach. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through platforms like X and Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, Justin Simmons enters the year as one of the veteran safeties available in the market after completing his one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. His performance in 2024, which included 62 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 starts, demonstrated that he remains a reliable presence in the secondary. Teams in need of experienced leadership and playmaking ability in the defensive backfield could view Simmons as a valuable addition.
With his track record of durability, having started 16 games in three of his last four seasons, Simmons offers any defense a high floor of consistent production. His career total of 30 interceptions and multiple Pro Bowl selections underscore his ability to change the outcome of games with timely plays. Whether he returns to Atlanta or signs elsewhere, Simmons will be motivated to add to his list of accolades in 2025.
At 31 years old, Simmons continues to demonstrate the intelligence, range, and ball skills that have defined his career. His experience playing in multiple defensive schemes under coaches like Vic Fangio, Vance Joseph, and Jimmy Lake gives him the versatility to fit into a variety of systems. The 2025 season represents an opportunity for Justin Simmons to further cement his legacy as one of the most productive safeties of his generation.