DENVER — The release of eight-year All-Pro safety Justin Simmons is sending shockwaves through the Denver Broncos community.
Many players shared their surprise on social media after his release was announced.
He is expected to be one of the most in-demand safeties in a market that is saturated with them.
On Thursday evening, Simmons posted a long statement "with love" on social media.
Simmons' wife Taryn implied the impending departure from Denver had her crying.
Simmons' All-Pro teammate, cornerback Pat Surtain, said his release hurt.
Simmons' fellow safety Cadern Sterns called him "one of the greatest to do it."
Linebacker Alex Singleton said "some hurt more than others."
Linebacker Nik Bonitto asked what he woke up to and called Simmons a "Denver legend."
Wide receiver Tim Patrick simply tweeted a few goat emojis.
Wide receiver Marvin Mims simply replied "wow" to the news.
Team President Damani Leech called Simmons "one of the best."
Safety Quandre Diggs, who was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks, shared his dismay at the apparent devaluing of the safety position, and joked he's switching to cornerback.
Former Broncos running back C.J. Anderson said Simmons was a great teammate and a great player.
Chris Harris, former All-Pro cornerback for the Broncos, said the release is the latest example of the difficulty the team will have winning due to the fallout from Russell Wilson's release.
Former Broncos tackle Tyler Polumbus was surprised Simmons wasn't traded and predicted no player with a high salary is safe.
Former Broncos running back Alfred Williams told the team to make all of the hard moves today.
Former Broncos guard Mark Schlereth said he's happy Simmons will be able to pick where he goes and perhaps finally get an opportunity to make a postseason appearance.
Lindsay Jones with the Ringer shared a sweet moment Simmons had with her daughter.
Former Broncos safety Nick Ferguson said Simmons kept the history of great safety play in Denver alive.
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