Justin Simmons Retires as Denver Bronco

All-Pro safety Justin Simmons officially retired from the NFL on April 29, 2026, exactly 10 years after the Denver Broncos selected him in the third round of the 2016 draft. The 32-year-old signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Broncos to retire as a member of the team where he spent most of his nine-year career.

Simmons announced his decision during a press conference, reflecting on his journey from a wide-eyed rookie to a cornerstone of Denver's defense. "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," he said.

Over 134 games with the Broncos and Atlanta Falcons, Simmons amassed 666 tackles, 32 interceptions, 71 pass deflections and four second-team Associated Press All-Pro selections. He earned two Pro Bowl nods and tied for seventh on Denver's all-time interceptions list with 30 during his eight seasons there from 2016 to 2023. The Boston College product anchored the Broncos secondary after arriving post-Super Bowl 50, stabilizing the deep field with his ball-hawking instincts and coverage reads.