Titans star Jeffery Simmons named state's top professional athlete

Although the Tennessee Titans limped to a dismal 3-14 record in 2025, that didn’t stop star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from being dominant and having a career season.

Simmons was more than the emotional leader of the defense; he was their anchor, setting a career high with 11 sacks en route to being named first-team All-Pro and another Pro Bowl nod. And from the sound of it, he was a bit of a recruiter, mentioning the Titans' head coach vacancy to Robert Saleh following the December matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

Now, Simmons is being recognized in Tennessee, named the 2026 Professional Athlete of the Year by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional Athlete of the Year – Jeffery Simmons

Jeffery Simmons delivered a dominant 2025 season for the Tennessee Titans, establishing himself as one of the National Football League’s premier defensive linemen. Simmons recorded 67 tackles and a career-high 11 sacks while consistently disrupting opposing offenses as one of the league’s most impactful interior defenders.

His performance earned First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection, further solidifying his reputation as an elite presence on the defensive front. Simmons continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Titans’ defense and a leader both on and off the field.

Simmons will join other honorees at the July 11, 2026, Honors Banquet at the Omni Nashville to celebrate the strength and diversity of Tennessee’s sports programs statewide at all levels.