Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons established himself as one of the top safeties of his NFL generation during a nine-year professional football career. Denver selected Simmons, a Boston College standout, with the final pick of the third round, and he quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. He joined the defending Super Bowl champions and a locker room known for its "No Fly Zone" secondary, learning from established veterans.

Simmons became a full-time starter in his second season and remained one of the NFL's most productive safeties throughout his career. He built a reputation as a premier ball-hawking safety, earning the highest grade among NFL safeties from Pro Football Focus with an overall mark of 90.8. Simmons intercepted at least two passes in each of his nine seasons, finishing his career with 32 interceptions, including an NFL-leading six in one season. He recorded 32 interceptions (30 with Denver, ranking seventh in franchise history), 666 tackles, and 71 passes defensed. Simmons earned four second-team All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl honors. He was the only defensive back in the NFL to be named an AP All-Pro in consecutive seasons.

A three-time Broncos captain, Simmons was a prominent figure in Denver's locker room. His leadership extended beyond the field, as he was a three-time nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, becoming the second player in franchise history to earn that nomination three times and the first Broncos player to receive the honor in back-to-back years. Simmons also earned the Broncos' Community Ambassador award on four occasions, building a close relationship with the Broncos Boys & Girls Club and impacting the community through the Justin Simmons Foundation.

Simmons started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in his final season, recording two interceptions, but enjoyed most of his success with Denver. After a season away from the game, he officially announced his retirement. The Broncos noted that Simmons' retirement came exactly 10 years after the team selected him in the third round from Boston College. He chose to retire as a Bronco, reflecting his connection to the city and organization. Simmons is tied for seventh in team history in interceptions and ranks third in passes defended in Broncos franchise history.