All-Pro Broncos safety Justin Simmons retires at 32

Exactly 10 years to the day that Justin Simmons was selected by the Broncos in the 2016 NFL Draft, he officially ended his journey in the National Football League. 

The three-time Man of the Year nominee and Pro Bowl safety announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a career that spanned nine seasons in the Mile High City and another year in Atlanta. 

“This is beyond my wildest dreams, 10 years ago to the day, walking into the building, eyes [wide] like this, not knowing whose hands I’m shaking, but just wanting to make a difference on the field,” Simmons said during a press conference on Wednesday, per the Denver Gazette. 

AP

Simmons, 32, was a member of the Broncos from 2016 to 2023 and in that time, recorded 30 interceptions – tying him for seventh all-time in franchise history – and earned two Pro Bowl nods during that span. 

He was also named to a second-team All-Pro four times while in Denver. 

Simmons was released by the Broncos following the 2023 season due to salary cap reasons, and he signed a deal with the Falcons. He did not play during the 2025 season. 

Simmons was lauded for his work in the community while he was with the Broncos. 

He was the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee for three straight seasons and was the winner of the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award three times. 

“I always say that was the biggest honor,” Simmons said, according to The Athletic. “There’s 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 were making real change in the communities that we are also a part of.”

Simmons’ tenure with the Broncos coincided with a stretch where they did not make the playoffs, going eight straight seasons without a postseason appearance. 

Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after the game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 26, 2023. Getty Images

While he admitted there was disappointment over the lack of success while he was in Denver, he took solace in the reaction from fans after he announced his retirement. 

“It was a hard eight years,” Simmons said, per ESPN. “… It hurt not to be able to [make the playoffs]. I was a safety, there’s only so much I can control, but I just felt like there was a lot asked and I feel like I fell short.

“I felt like I let a lot of people down … to see that type of reaction for me [Wednesday], it’s more than I deserve, it’s heartwarming, I’m thankful, I’m blessed, I’m honored. … I want to be able to be remembered for how I helped improve lives. … I don’t take any of it for granted.”