Titans DT Jeffery Simmons 'can't wait' to trash-talk Bears QB Caleb Williams in Week 1

Jeffery Simmons won’t shy from his reputation as a trash-talker.

Simmons, being one of the rising stars in the NFL, has earned the privilege to verbally spar with opponents, even if it sometimes necessitates intervention from officials.

“I’ve had the ref come to me with like ‘you have to calm it down,'” Simmons said Tuesday during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. “Sometimes, the ref probably heard me really talking smack. He’s like ‘nine-eight, calm down.’

That has happened a few times.

Naturally, the two-time Pro Bowler’s admission prompted Eisen and his crew to dig deeper on the subject, and before long, Week 1 — Tennessee’s date with No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears — became the focus.

Before even making an NFL snap, Williams has already demonstrated that he is a magnet for criticism. Simmons stated that he plans to critique one of Williams’ style choices.

“Painted nails. I’m eager to tell him that,” Simmons said. “Absolutely. It’s going to be one of those games. I bet his teammates give him a hard time already, especially in a game like this. I missed the end of the last season…It’s going to be the season’s first game. We’re heading to Chicago. Naturally, all the buzz will be about them. But for key games like these, everyone tends to underestimate Tennessee, which is common knowledge. In a game like Chicago’s, I’m sure they think we’re about to be thrashed. That just fuels me to talk even more trash and amps me up, pushing me into a different mode. I’ll be in a different mindset for that game.”

I understand. You have a first-round pick player like Caleb Williams, who is excellent. I saw a few games when he was at USC, and he’s indeed an extraordinary player. However, this is a different league, and I’m looking forward to playing against him in the first game.

Many rookies have received similar or harsher treatment from seasoned players eager to initiate them into the NFL with some roughness. Thanks to an opportunity given by the schedule creators, Simmons is enjoying his chance to remind the top pick that he’s now playing a much more challenging level of football, and he should show respect to his seniors.

The strategy of targeting newcomers in sports leagues is not new, as evidenced in the WNBA where players have aimed at rookie Caitlin Clark to remind her of her elevation to the big leagues. Simmons has a similar intention for Williams, a player who has been making NFL headlines for over a year, even though he still hasn’t played an NFL game.

Simmons understands that his role isn’t just about intimidating a rookie. He is aware that he needs to be the spokesperson for a Titans team, which many might underestimate in 2024.

“My objective is clear and I’m determined,” stated Simmons. “However, it doesn’t matter to me who the opponent is. Even if it’s Tom Brady’s inaugural match of the season, my aim is to establish a precedent, not only for him but also for our identity as a defense and a Tennessee team.

As you mentioned, this is his first genuine NFL game. I certainly don’t aim to injure anyone, but our objective is to challenge him. Again, as you pointed out, it’s about welcoming him to the NFL.