Selected in the third round out of Boston College in 2016, Justin Simmons came to Mile High as a versatile defensive back with elite leaping ability and exceptional diagnostic skills. After serving as a core contributor as a rookie, Simmons seized a full-time starting free safety role in 2017 and quickly transformed into the rangy, intellectual quarterback of Denver’s secondary.

Simmons developed into one of the premier ball-hawking free safeties of his era. Possessing deep-third range, smooth transition hips, and sharp route-recognition skills, he routinely erased vertical shot plays while acting as a reliable last line of defense in run support. His breakout national moment arrived in 2019 when he earned his first AP Second-Team All-Pro nod, followed by his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2020.

His consistency over a five-year stretch was remarkable. Simmons secured four AP Second-Team All-Pro selections (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023) and earned two Pro Bowl nods (2020, 2023). In 2022, despite missing five games to injury, he co-led the entire NFL with six interceptions and forced three fumbles. Off the field, his leadership and extensive community involvement earned him three Walter Payton Man of the Year nominations.

After the 2023 season, Denver made the difficult decision to release its long-time defensive captain as part of a salary-cap restructuring. With Denver, Simmons had 30 interceptions, 604 combined tackles, 64 pass deflections, 19 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles.