As Justin Simmons prepares for his return to Empower Field at Mile High, the veteran Atlanta Falcons safety isn’t harboring sour grapes over the way his eight-year tenure ended at the Denver Broncos. With their backs against the wall in the wake of Russell Wilson’s release, which came with an $85 million dead money hit on the salary cap, the Broncos had to make some extra tough roster decisions.
The release of Simmons was controversial at the time. After languishing on the free-agent market for months, the two-time Pro Bowler finally signed a one-year deal with the Falcons in August.
“No, I think at the end of the day, like I said, there’s the business aspect of the NFL,” Simmons said Wednesday“and when I look back, there have been players before me who were great players there too – Von Miller, Demaryius Thomas – those guys. Traded. Stuff like that. It’s just part of the job sometimes. Broncos greats. Those things happen , so no bad blood on my side.”
In fact, it seems like Simmons is really looking forward to returning to Denver. He will be greeted by many familiar faces from former teammates, as well as a Broncos fan base that still regards the veteran with great affection for all his contributions on the field, as well as his impact on the community. The feeling is mutual.
“Going back to a place where I spent my whole career – I have a lot of great memories of that,” Simmons said. “The fans are amazing. I have nothing but love for Broncos Country. I will always be grateful for my opportunity.”
The Broncos selected Simmons in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Boston College. He was one of the few bright spots on a team during an unprecedented stretch of playoff absence. After back-to-back franchise tags, the Broncos made him one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL in 2021 on a four-year, $61 million deal.
“That organization invested in me, expanded me, and the community there embraced my family, so I will always be a Bronco for life,” Simmons said. “Those guys have always treated me and my family well.”
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Don’t get it twisted though; Simmons is very motivated to win on Sunday. He and the Falcons don’t want to enter their Week 12 bye with back-to-back losses.
“In the same breath, we’re going there as a team with the goal of winning, getting our seventh win of the season before we go to the bye,” Simmons said. “So that’s the main focus in my mind, the opportunity to do that.”
The transition of the soon to be 31-year-old Simmons was not easy. Broncos head coach Sean Payton talked about the difficulty Denver had in ripping off that Band-Aid, which has been somewhat mitigated by the arrival of Brandon Jones as a free agent.
Jones’ 74 tackles led the team with an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Meanwhile, Simmons has 35 tackles and one interception in nine starts.
“That was hard, holy cow,” Payton said of Simmons’ release. “I was only with him for a season, but it’s always difficult when you’re dealing, especially when you’re dealing with a veteran. Someone who has played so well for the organization. Those are never easy decisions.”
For his part, Simmons was sure to convey his love and respect for the Broncos, but concluded his comments on the subject by emphasizing his main goal in Week 11: a Falcons win.
“Like I said, I got nothing but love,” Simmons said. “They will always be in my heart as a great organization and at the same time I also know where I am now. I’m really looking forward to going in there and finding a way to win a football game.”
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