ENGLEWOOD, Colo — Justin Simmons was willing to talk about the March of Peace he has helped serve as a guide to teenage organizers Naja’Ray West and Nashara Ellerbee.
But his current and future football status was off limits, per advice from his agent.
A four-time, second-team All Pro safety during his eight seasons with the Denver Broncos, Simmons was released by the team March 8 in lieu of his $14.5 million salary.
More surprising is that despite receiving interest, Simmons has yet to sign with another team. Ever the positive-minded person, Simmons has enjoyed the benefits of having an offseason away from football – if not strength and conditioning.
“God is so good,’’ Simmons said a few minutes before the 5K March for Peach began Saturday morning from the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club in Montbello. “I’m so thankful for this time and his faithfulness as far as slowing me down and not taking things for granted.
“So this offseason has been such a blessing. I’ve had a tremendous opportunity in my eyes and my opinion to regain some lost moments. In the offseason I’m hanging out with my family and I’ve gotten to go to my daughter’s dance recitals and I’ve gotten to see them grow and I’ve been home a lot more.
“All while training and staying ready so I don’t have to get ready. One door closes and another one opens and that will open at some point here in the future. Just trying to stay faithful and patient and trust in the Lord’s plan for my family and I’s next step whatever that may be.’’
This was the 4th annual March for Peace led by West and Ellerbee, who are heading off to Colorado State. “Ray Ray” said this would be the last march she and her close friend runs.
“This has been a staple and I think Ray Ray and Nashara are looking forward to passing the torch and having some younger members pick up the mantle,’’ Simmons said. “It doesn’t have to be the March For Peace. It can be their own twist, but something that’s going to continue to bring the community together and they’ve done such a good job here.
“I’m so thankful to get to know them and grow with them. They’ve helped me so much so looking forward to what may be the last hurrah but also looking forward to see what the kids of the future here do to continue on Ray Ray’s and Nashara’s legacy.”
Simmons sees the similarities in his life change as those for West and Ellerbee.
“Wanting to fit in,’’ Simmons said. “Wanting to establish yourself obviously with your play. We’re both in this thing together in different aspects. I’m looking to them for encouragement and I hope I’m doing a good job encouraging them.’’
Since his release from the Broncos, Simmons and his family have stayed in the Denver community. He has been spotted at high school basketball and NBA games and he recently sent his congratulations via X to former Orange Crush standouts Riley Odoms and Steve Foley for their election into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame.
Will Simmons stay in the Denver area, regardless of where his next job takes him?
“We’ll have to see,’’ he said. “My wife and I have been talking about it. There’s just a lot of uncertainties. … Steve’s spoken to me and he’s a guy I look up to and knowing how important he was with the organization, being a great player and obviously holding the interceptions record. I’ve spoken to him so I felt like it was necessary to say something and I wanted him to know I appreciated him.”
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