The Denver Broncos have had many all-star safeties in their history. Steve Atwater won two Super Bowls with the Broncos and he’s now a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
John Lynch and Brian Dawkins only spent part of their careers in Denver, but they’re also in the Hall of Fame.
Dennis Smith was a six-time Pro Bowler, and he’s joined in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame by Goose Gonsoulin and Billy Thompson, who were dominant safeties in Denver’s early years.
T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart were key members of a “No Fly Zone” defense that led the Broncos to victory in Super Bowl 50.
Justin Simmons hopes to add his name to Denver’s safety legacy.
“That’s been motivation since Day 1,” Simmons said on March 22 after signing a four-year contract extension. “It’s in here and it’s our main building where we meet across the way. Having this contract and the titles that come with it, those expectations have already been a part of Broncos Country since Day 1. Anyone that knows Broncos football knows the lineage of safeties and the play of the safeties that are in this program and that have been a part of this program. That’s been expected of me since Day 1. By no means am I close to reaching that goal, but it’s something that I strive for all the time.”
Simmons started his career playing behind Ward and Stewart. He now plays alongside Kareem Jackson, a Pro Bowl alternate.
“I’ve learned so much from so many guys and I’ve [tried] to incorporate that into my game with both film study and how to take care of my body,” Simmons said. “There’s no added pressure in that regard because it’s been that way for me since Day 1 and since I got here as third-round draft pick. I’m just excited to keep going. As coach Vic [Fangio] said earlier — and I 100% agree — I don’t think I’ve played my best ball yet. There’s so much more for me to learn and so much more for me to take in and incorporate on the field.”
After five seasons, Simmons already ranks 15th in franchise history with 16 interceptions. With four more, he’ll move into the top 10. He recorded five interceptions last year. Just 27 years old, Simmons is well on his way toward ranking among the best safeties in Broncos history.
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