Ex-Broncos safety Justin Simmons: Being cut 'challenging me in a positive way'
In Denver, Justin Simmons grew from an underrated third-round pick to a Pro Bowl star in eight seasons. The rangy safety continues to grow even after being released by the Broncos this offseason.
Simmons, while speaking at his inaugural golf classic on Thursday, said that being cut helped him gain perspective.
“Obviously, it’d be so great right now to know where I’m going, what I can be studying, who I can be playing for, matchups that I’ll have, and all that good stuff. But ultimately, I think it’s challenging me in a positive way,” Simmons said, via Bradey King of Denver7 News. “I think complacency can be a thing when you just get caught up in a routine of doing the same things over and over and over, finding little increments of growth. For me now, everything’s new. I’m having to ask questions, take accountability, learn from people who have been in it before. Whether they’re three years in, 10 years in, just getting some insight, getting some wisdom. I think it’s going to help me grow tremendously. …
It has assisted in slowing me down. It has allowed me to be more engaged with my family when I couldn’t due to OTAs and the lack of preparation for camp.
Simmons had eight seasons with Denver, during which he was named to the All-Pro second team four times and participated in two Pro Bowls, including the most recent season. The Broncos released him in a move to cut costs, saving $18.25 million.
The veteran remains one of several free agents languishing on the market — Eddie Jackson, Quandre Diggs, etc. — as we head toward training camp.
Simmons, who is 30 years old, is not worried about his current state of unemployment, but is simply staying prepared for when he is needed.
“It’s uncertain when I might sign. It could be as early as tomorrow, two weeks into camp, or even the first game of the season. The unpredictability of these situations has compelled me to be patient and relinquish control since it’s beyond my control,” he stated.
