Justin Simmons, the veteran safety who turned into one of Denver's steadiest playmakers, is calling it a career. The 32-year-old announced Wednesday that he is retiring from the NFL and will sign a one-day contract so he can officially walk away as a Denver Bronco. He spent 2016 to 23 as a fixture in Denver's secondary, then suited up for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and ultimately did not land on a roster in 2025.
The Broncos rolled out a tribute video and feature on the team site to mark the moment, and Simmons made it clear his time in Denver went way beyond football. "Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team. It was my heart, my home and my story," Simmons said, according to the Denver Broncos.
Simmons was the Broncos' third-round pick (98th overall) out of Boston College in 2016 and grew into a locker-room leader during his eight seasons in Denver. He left after 2023, signed with Atlanta for 2024 and, despite offseason buzz in 2025, never signed another NFL roster spot, as reported by The Sporting News.
Career By The Numbers
With Denver, Simmons logged 30 interceptions and earned multiple second-team All-Pro nods along with two Pro Bowl selections while serving as a team captain. The Broncos' write-up also highlighted his community work, including three Walter Payton Man of the Year nominations and repeated team community awards, which helps explain why the club is arranging a ceremonial homecoming for him, per the Denver Broncos.
What This Means For Broncos Country
A ceremonial one-day signing to retire as a Bronco gives the franchise and its fans a formal chance to salute a player who was as visible off the field as he was on it. The Denver Gazette reports the team will sign Simmons to that one-day deal so he can close his career in Denver, a move expected to create a public moment when the date and details are announced.
Simmons said he plans to be part of the crowd this fall and reiterated that "I'll always be a Denver Bronco." The decision puts a bow on a decorated nine-season career that mixed on-field leadership with deep community ties and gives fans a clear chance to celebrate a modern franchise pillar, as noted by The Sporting News.
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