Jeffery Simmons
TENNESSEE TITANS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Tackle | Mississippi State University | 5 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
In 2021, Simmons was named a team captain for the first time in his career, and he went on to become one of six players on the Titans roster to start all 17 games. He also was named to his first career Pro Bowl and garnered Associated Press second-team All-Pro honors after setting career highs in several categories, including sacks (8.5), tackles (54), quarterback pressures (58), tackles for loss (12), and passes defensed (six). Among all defensive tackles in the NFL, his 8.5 sacks ranked sixth, and he was one of only five NFL players to produce at least 50 tackles, eight sacks, and six passes defensed that season.
In 2022, Jeffery Simmons earned Pro Bowl and second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors for the second consecutive campaign, anchoring a unit that ranked first in the NFL in rushing defense. (76.9 opponent rushing yards per game). Simmons posted 7.5 sacks, 43 quarterback pressures, and a career-high seven passes defensed, which tied for the fourth-best mark among all NFL defensive linemen. Simmons and Arizona's J.J. Watt were the NFL's only players in 2022 with at least seven sacks and seven passes defensed.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
Since joining the NFL, Jeffery Simmons has made a consistent effort to utilize his platform to inspire others and encourage those in need, especially children.
Simmons' Give Em A Reason Foundation prioritizes inspiring youth and fostering empowerment through sports, with a specific focus on building self-esteem and creating opportunities. It aims to answer the question "why" when kids are looking for a reason to have hope. In less than a year, the foundation has supported nearly 10 different organizations and has ambitious plans for continued growth.
Raised in Mississippi, Simmons makes a pointed effort to give back to his hometown. He recently donated a new fieldhouse to his alma mater, Noxubee County High School. He also renovated facilities and turf fields at Starkville Sportsplex, home of his college alma mater, Mississippi State University. In partnership with Academy Sports + Outdoors, Simmons surprised young athletes in Starkville, Mississippi with a shopping spree to purchase new football gear, clothes, and more ahead of the coming school year.
Simmons also worked with other NFL stars to host a youth football camp for kids in need. There, he tapped his rolodex of coaches and friends to teach fundamental football skills, emphasizing teamwork and hard work.
In his fifth season with the Titans, Simmons considers Nashville his second home and actively supports children in the local community. Recently, he met with kids from the Martha O'Bryan Center's extended learning program, taking them to a Nashville Escape Room. The center's extended learning program focuses on offering students positive male support in academics, self-esteem, and leadership.
A longtime advocate of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America (BBBS), Simmons also hosted an event during the 2023 NFL Draft to recruit mentors for the organization. He also participated in events surrounding the Pro Bowl.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Beginning his NFL journey in 2019, Simmons hit the ground running on using his platform to impact change. He has spent a tremendous amount of time giving back to the Nashville and Mississippi communities by participating in a variety of causes alongside the Titans organization.
His support for BBBS began almost immediately after entering the league and he continues to offer a hand for almost any need the organization requests, from providing recruiting support, to mentoring kids. This year he will be the keynote speaker for the BBBS annual breakfast.
He has also been involved with the Rally Foundation, which empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. The organization hosts an annual fashion show, inviting Rally kids impacted by childhood cancer to strut the runway escorted by their favorite Titans players. Simmons has participated in the Rally event and just recently offered to take on the main leadership role prepping and engaging other Titans players for the event each year.
During the past several holiday seasons, Simmons has collaborated with companies like Academy Sports + Outdoors to organize and participate in shopping sprees for local kids in need.
Simmons never shies away from an opportunity to raise awareness for league initiatives as well, consistently supporting efforts like Crucial Catch and My Cause My Cleats.
Using his gameday platform, each year Simmons also chooses an individual and cause to support fully.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
In 2023, Simmons and the Titans announced an agreement on a contract extension. On a day that would normally focus on Simmons' performance on-the-field, he opted to instead talk about the importance of giving back. This one moment perfectly encapsulates his character, using his platform to serve and focus on issues of deep and resonant importance.
Raised by a single mother with five children, Simmons learned the value of hard work at a young age. His mother worked tirelessly to support the family and "never missed a birthday." Simmons is on a mission to make his family proud, provide them a better life, and give back to others, particularly kids with similar upbringings to his.
His foundation is the long-term legacy Simmons hopes to leave – offering youth a reason to hope, reach, grow, and never give up. With great intentionality, Simmons hand selects the organizations that will benefit and shows up in person when he can as well. He sees the need for male role models and mentors, and he answers the call.
