DENVER (AP) — Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons has retired following a nine-year career, including eight seasons with the Denver Broncos.The Broncos announced Simmons’ retirement on Wednesday and noted the news came exactly 10 years after the team selected the safety in the third round from Boston College in 2016.
Though Simmons started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in his final season in 2024, when he had two interceptions, he enjoyed most of his success with Denver. Each of his two Pro Bowl seasons came with the Broncos. He also was a four-time second-team All-Pro for Denver.
“Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team,” Simmons said in the Broncos’ announcement on social media. “It was my heart, my home and my story.”
Added Simmons: “I’m always going to be a Bronco, and I’m always going to be a Broncos fan. They took a chance on me, extended me. This is my home.”
Simmons intercepted at least two passes in each of his nine seasons and finished his career with 32, including an NFL-leading six in 2022. He started in 124 of 134 games in his career.
The Falcons also offered congratulations to Simmons on social media.
Justin Simmons left the Broncos after the 2023 season, but he returned to his primary NFL team to bring his playing career to a close.
Simmons announced his retirement through the club on Wednesday. Simmons was a third-round pick in 2016 and spent eight seasons with the Broncos before being released. He played one season with the Falcons and did not play at all in 2025.
Simmons was a four-time second-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Broncos.
“I would just love to be remembered as not just a Bronco, but just a man that gave his all to the team, the city,” Simmons said. “Even in my letter to Broncos Country when I got let go was, ‘I don’t live with regrets.’ I always tell everyone I walk with a sense of purpose and understanding of everything happens for a reason. And the one thing that I wish I could hit on was just getting back to the postseason. There were a lot of positive things that happened individually, but I really hold and carry a lot of that weight as a team leader, as a captain, of not being able to promise that stuff, though. So, I just want to be remembered as someone who gave his all and tried his best.”
Simmons had 666 tackles, 32 interceptions, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 134 career games.