Justin Simmons retired as a Bronco after nine NFL seasons

Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons announced Wednesday that he is retiring from the NFL as a member Denver Broncos.

Simmons spent his first eight seasons with the Broncos, who selected him in the third round (98th overall) in 2016 out of Boston College.

“Denver literally made me the person I am. To the best fans in the world and Broncos Country, thank you so much for all your support for me and my family,” Simmons said in a message. The video was posted on Instagram.

He was a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year with the Broncos as one of the most active players in the Denver community. He was also a three-time captain and was often the public face of the locker room in good times and bad.

“Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team. It was my heart, my home and my story,” he said in the video.

Simmons had 32 interceptions in his career, second New England Patriots‘ Kevin ByardSince 2016 when he was drafted. He was selected as a second-team All-Pro four times in his career.

The Broncos released Simmons in a salary cap-related move in 2024, and he later signed with Atlanta FalconsStarted 16 games and finished with two interceptions that season. He did not play in the NFL last season.

He finished his career with 666 tackles, 71 passes defensed and 5 forced fumbles in 134 games (124 starts).