Former Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons is retiring after nine seasons in the NFL, he announced on Wednesday. Simmons, 32, did not play last season but started 16 games for the Falcons in 2024.
Atlanta went in a different direction in 2025, drafting Xavier Watts out of Notre Dame to start alongside Jessie Bates III at safety. Watts went on to record five interceptions and was a runner up for the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Simmons, a four-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, spent his first eight seasons with the Denver Broncos but was released during the 2024 offseason. Over his nine years in the NFL, Simmons recorded 32 career interceptions, 479 solo tackles, 71 passes defended and five forced fumbles.
Among the many accomplishments of Simmons’ career was intercepting Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes an NFL-record six times. Simmons faced Mahomes twice a year while he was in Denver and made the most of it.
The Falcons posted a tribute to Simmons on social media upon the news of his retirement.
Congrats to @jsimms1119 on his retirement! đ«Ą pic.twitter.com/yC14OU8Z90
â Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 29, 2026
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Former Falcons safety Justin Simmons to retire from NFL