Former Broncos All-Pro announces retirement from NFL

Former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons has hit the end of the road for his career.

Simmons and the Broncos announced on Wednesday that the former All-Pro and Pro Bowler is retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, eight of which was spent in Denver.

“I think what I’ve done in my career and playing, I will always hold near and dear and at a very high place in my chart of life. And I’m also stepping into something that is going to be really new and fresh and awesome,” Simmons said.

“And a lot of that is going to be part of being a fan and fandom and our hometown team in the Denver Broncos. 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,” he concluded.

Simmons made it quite clear he’s going to enjoy things from the fan perspective moving forward.

The 32-year-old plans on attending at least the home opener to “be a fan,” and wants to “sit as close as I can” to cheer on his former team.

He even wants to get involved in the tailgate.

“And this is not a goodbye. I look forward to joining you guys in the stands as we cheer on our team for years and years and years to come,” Simmons added.

Justin Simmons’ decorated Broncos career

Simmons was a third-round pick of the Broncos back in 2016 and it’s safe to say he exceeded expectations.

The former safety was one of the very best at his position for multiple years, as evidenced by his two Pro Bowl selections and four second-team All-Pro nods.

He even led the NFL in interceptions in 2022 and was always one of the better playmakers in the league at safety.

Even in his last year with the Broncos in 2023, Simmons notched a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro selection.