Full Breakdown
Justin Simmons Retires as a Denver Bronco After Nine NFL Seasons
4/29/2026, 10:30:15 PM
Core Event: Retirement Announcement
On April 29, 2026, safety Justin Simmons announced his retirement from the NFL in a video released by the Denver Broncos. The announcement coincided with the ten-year anniversary of his selection in the third round of the 2016 draft. Simmons signed a one-day contract to retire as a Bronco.
Background & Context
Simmons entered the league after Boston College’s 98th-overall pick in 2016. He spent eight seasons (2016-2023) with Denver, becoming a three-time captain and a defensive mainstay. In March 2024 the Broncos released him for salary-cap reasons; he then signed a one-year deal with Atlanta, started 16 games in 2024, and sat out 2025 before retiring.
Career Statistics & Honors
In 134 regular-season games (124 starts) Simmons logged 666 tackles, 32 interceptions, 71 passes defended, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three recoveries. He earned four second-team All-Pro honors (2019, 2021-2023), Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2023, three Walter Payton Man of the Year nominations, a Demaryius Thomas MVP (2021) and multiple Broncos community awards.
Official Statements & Responses
The Broncos announced they will honor Simmons at a fall game at Empower Field at Mile High and noted his three-year captaincy, community leadership and on-field consistency. Simmons’ retirement message stressed his wish to be remembered for giving his all to Denver and expressed enthusiasm for attending future games as a fan.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentators highlighted Simmons’ 2024 season with Atlanta as underwhelming, labeling the signing a “bust” and noting the Falcons’ limited defensive impact. Social-media reactions to his 2024 release from Denver described the move as “hurtful,” reflecting fan disappointment that a long-time franchise icon was let go.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Simmons’ interception count: some list 30 picks with Denver (tied for seventh in franchise history), while others report a career total of 32, including two with Atlanta. A few outlets describe him as a “four-time All-Pro” without specifying the second-team designation, creating minor record inconsistencies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team. It was my heart, my home and my story.” — Justin Simmons, retirement video
- “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,” — Justin Simmons, retirement statement
- “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.” — Justin Simmons, letter to Broncos Country
- “I want to go sit as close as I can, maybe in the lower bowl, and cheer on the team.” — Justin Simmons, interview with DenverBroncos.com
Why It Matters
Simmons’ retirement underscores the difficulty of translating individual defensive excellence into team postseason success and highlights the lasting impact of player-led community initiatives within an NFL franchise.
What’s Next
Simmons plans to attend Broncos home games as a fan, sit near the field and continue his work with the Justin Simmons Foundation and local youth programs.
