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Longtime Broncos S Justin Simmons retiring at 32

By Thomson Reuters Apr 29, 2026 | 9:50 AM

Former Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons announced his retirement on Wednesday after nine seasons.

The two-time Pro Bowl ​selection played for Denver from 2016-23 ‌and spent 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons before sitting out the 2025 season.

“Denver literally shaped me into the man that I am. To the ‌best ​fans in the world ⁠and Broncos Country, thank ⁠you so much for all your support for both myself and my family,” Simmons said in a video posted to ​Instagram.

He was a three-time team captain and a three-time Walter Payton NFL Man ⁠of the Year nominee ⁠during his time in Denver.

“Being ​a Denver Bronco was more than just a ​team. It was my heart, my home ‌and my story,” he said in the video.

Simmons recorded 32 interceptions — at least two picks in every season — with 71 ⁠passes defensed, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 4.5 sacks and 666 tackles in 134 career ⁠games (124 starts). ‌He made the All-Pro second ⁠team four times.

He shared the NFL ​lead ‌with a career-high six interceptions ​in 2022 ⁠and returned an interception for a 65-yard touchdown in Denver’s Week 13 game at Miami in 2017. He is tied for seventh in Broncos history with 30 career interceptions.

–Field ​Level Media