This weekend, Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons returns to Denver, the city where he spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career.
It’s a return that comes with a mix of emotions, but Simmons, a former second-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, has made it clear: there’s no animosity between him and his former team.
“No bad blood on my end. I have nothing but love,” Simmons said, speaking ahead of his return to Mile High. “They’ll always be in my heart as a great organization. And then at the same time, knowing where I am now, really looking forward to going in there and finding a way to win a football game.”
Simmons’ journey in Denver was one of growth and achievement. Selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Simmons developed into one of the league’s premier safeties, earning 30 interceptions and 604 total tackles over his eight seasons in Denver. His leadership and playmaking ability made him a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense, and his presence was felt in the secondary each year. However, despite his importance to the team, Simmons was let go this offseason as part of Denver’s efforts to address their salary cap situation, stemming from the fallout of Russell Wilson’s contract.
Though his departure was a business decision, Simmons bears no ill will toward the Broncos. “You see guys all around the league go back to places where they played,” he said. “And they embrace the challenge of working through whatever it is, the physical aspect, the emotional aspect of it. So, yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
For Simmons, returning to Denver is more than just a game. It’s a chance to face the franchise that shaped much of his career and showcase how far he’s come as a player, now wearing the uniform of the Falcons. As one of the NFL’s top safeties, Simmons brings both talent and experience to Atlanta’s defense. However, the Falcons defense has had its struggles this season, particularly with the pass rush. Atlanta currently ranks last in the NFL in both pressure rate (27.4%) and sack rate (2.4%), according to Next Gen Stats. With only nine sacks in 2024, the Falcons are well below league averages, and that has placed additional pressure on their secondary.
Despite the struggles up front, Simmons’ leadership in the back end has been key for Atlanta. Alongside fellow safety Jessie Bates, the Falcons boast one of the most dynamic safety tandems in the league. Together, they form the backbone of a secondary that has had to do much of the heavy lifting for the defense. With Simmons and Bates patrolling the deep areas of the field, the Falcons’ defense has been able to limit big plays, though they know they need more from the front seven to truly become a balanced unit.
This Sunday’s matchup against the Broncos presents a unique challenge for Simmons and the Falcons. The Broncos’ offense has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, with quarterback Russell Wilson finding a rhythm and Denver’s rushing attack becoming more productive. Denver’s offense may not yet be elite, but they’ve shown they can put up points when they need to. For Simmons and his defensive unit, limiting Wilson’s effectiveness and slowing down Denver’s offensive momentum will be crucial to securing a win.
Simmons’ familiarity with the Broncos’ offense and his deep knowledge of Denver’s system will undoubtedly give him an edge. While he’s no longer part of the Broncos, he spent years studying their offensive schemes and personnel, and that experience could help him anticipate plays and make key adjustments on Sunday. Simmons has always been known for his high football IQ, and his ability to read the game will be vital in stopping the Broncos from finding success in the air or on the ground.
For Atlanta, this game is more than just a personal return for Simmons. The Falcons are still fighting for positioning in the NFC South, and each win is critical. With the defense needing to step up, Simmons and Bates will be asked to provide leadership and energy, particularly in slowing down the Broncos’ offense. Simmons’ return to Denver gives him a chance to prove that his best years are still ahead of him, even if they’re now in a new uniform.
As much as Simmons has praised the Broncos organization and expressed his gratitude for his time there, his focus will remain squarely on helping the Falcons win. “I’ve been there and I’ve played those guys, but now it’s about winning a football game for my team,” Simmons said. “I’m excited for the challenge.”
The Falcons’ secondary will need Simmons’ savvy, along with Bates’ ability to create turnovers, to control the tempo of the game. If Simmons can help disrupt Wilson’s timing and prevent big plays, Atlanta will have a much better chance of coming out on top. Given the importance of this matchup for the Falcons’ playoff hopes, Simmons’ experience and poise could be just what they need to get over the hump.
In the grand scheme of things, Simmons’ return to Denver is just another chapter in his career. But for a player who left everything on the field for the Broncos, returning to face them now as a member of the Falcons is a full-circle moment that could have a profound impact on his legacy. Whether he’s making big plays or simply leading his team, Simmons will always be remembered fondly in Denver. But this weekend, his focus is on one thing: winning for the Falcons and ensuring his new team’s success.
