Career Timeline of Justin Simmons (American football): Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Justin Simmons (American football) made an impact.
Justin Simmons is an American professional football safety currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft after playing college football at Boston College. Known for his consistent performance and ball-hawking abilities, Simmons has established himself as a key player in the league.
2000: Second Safety Drafted since 2000
Before 2016, Justin Simmons was the second safety to be drafted from Boston College since 2000.
2006: Last Safety Drafted from Boston College
In 2006, Will Blackmon was the last safety to be drafted from Boston College before Justin Simmons.
March 16, 2016: Participated at Boston College's pro day
On March 16, 2016, Justin Simmons participated at Boston College's pro day, standing on the majority of his combine numbers and only performing the 40-yard dash (4.53s), 20-yard dash (2.62s), and 10-yard dash (1.56s).
May 13, 2016: Signed with the Denver Broncos
On May 13, 2016, Justin Simmons signed a four-year, $3.06 million contract with the Denver Broncos, including a signing bonus of $645,420.
November 13, 2016: Blocked Extra Point
On November 13, 2016, Justin Simmons blocked an extra point attempt against the Saints, which was returned for a game-winning safety.
December 18, 2016: First Career Start
On December 18, 2016, Justin Simmons earned his first career start, recording two solo tackles during a loss against the New England Patriots.
December 25, 2016: First Career Interception
On December 25, 2016, Justin Simmons started and collected a season-high five combined tackles, broke up two passes, and made his first career interception against the Kansas City Chiefs.
2016: Drafted by the Denver Broncos
In 2016, Justin Simmons was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round (98th overall) of the NFL draft.
December 3, 2017: First Career Touchdown
On December 3, 2017, Justin Simmons recorded his first career touchdown, intercepting a pass and returning it for 65 yards during a game against the Miami Dolphins.
December 2, 2018: Interception against the Bengals
On December 2, 2018, Justin Simmons made nine combined tackles, broke up a pass, and made his third interception of the season during a victory against the Bengals.
October 13, 2019: Interception against the Titans
On October 13, 2019, Justin Simmons made four solo tackles, a pass deflection, and had an interception off of Marcus Mariota to mark his second consecutive game with an interception as the Broncos defeated the Tennessee Titans.
March 13, 2020: Franchise Tag Placed on Simmons
On March 13, 2020, the Denver Broncos placed the franchise tag on Justin Simmons.
July 14, 2020: Simmons Signs Franchise Tag Tender
On July 14, 2020, Justin Simmons signed the one-year tender worth $11.441 million.
September 20, 2020: Interception against the Steelers
On September 20, 2020, Justin Simmons led the team with eight combined tackles and had an interception thrown by Ben Roethlisberger during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
January 3, 2021: Career-High Fifth Interception of the Season
On January 3, 2021, Justin Simmons recorded his fifth interception of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders, setting a new career-high.
March 5, 2021: Franchise Tagged for Second Consecutive Season
On March 5, 2021, the Denver Broncos placed the franchise tag on Justin Simmons for a second consecutive season.
March 19, 2021: Signed Four-Year Contract Extension
On March 19, 2021, Justin Simmons signed a four-year, $61.00 million contract extension with the Denver Broncos.
October 31, 2021: Career-High Two Interceptions
On October 31, 2021, Justin Simmons recorded a career-high two interceptions against the Washington Football Team.
December 4, 2022: Two Interceptions against the Ravens
On December 4, 2022, Justin Simmons made five combined tackles, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and intercepted two passes against the Baltimore Ravens.
January 1, 2023: Career-High Sixth Interception
On January 1, 2023, Justin Simmons recorded a career-high with his sixth interception of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs.
February 2, 2023: Sean Payton hired as Broncos Head Coach
On February 2, 2023, the Denver Broncos announced the hiring of Sean Payton as their head coach.
March 7, 2024: Justin Simmons Waived by Broncos
On March 7, 2024, Justin Simmons was waived by the Broncos after eight seasons to save $14.5 million.
August 15, 2024: Simmons signs with Atlanta Falcons
On August 15, 2024, Justin Simmons signed a one-year, $7.50 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, fully guaranteed upon signing and including a $4.75 million signing bonus.
December 16, 2024: Interception and Pass Deflections vs Raiders
On December 16, 2024, Simmons had a season-high two pass deflections and intercepted a pass in the Falcons' 15–9 victory at the Las Vegas Raiders.
