Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons retires from NFL

Safety Justin Simmons (31) joined the Denver Broncos as a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI

Simmons was a four-time second-team All-Pro and three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

"Being a three-time [Broncos] Man of the Year, I'll always say was my biggest honor," Simmons said. "There has been a passing down, throughout the years, of amazing people coming through this building. It was an honor to be a part of that for eight years and help lead in areas, specifically off the field too, where we are making real change in the communities we also are a part of.

Longtime Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) totaled 30 interceptions for the franchise. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI

The Broncos owned the No. 4 defense in the NFL in Simmons' first season. They were the third-best unit in 2017. The Broncos ranked inside the Top 10 defensively four in four of Simmons' eight seasons with the AFC West franchise.

Simmons was a three-time captain for the Broncos, who signed him to a four-year, $61 million contract extension in 2021.

Safety Justin Simmons (L) logged two interceptions last season for the Atlanta Falcons. File Photo by Mike Zarrilli/UPI

The nine-year NFL veteran totaled 666 combined tackles, 71 passes defensed, 32 interceptions, 21 tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 4.5 sacks and an interception for a touchdown over 134 career appearances. His 30 career interceptions with the Broncos are tied with Dennis Smith for the seventh-most in franchise history, two behind Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey.