ENGLEWOOD, Colo — One of George Paton’s first moves as Denver Broncos’ general manager in 2021 was to re-sign safety Justin Simmons to a new four-year contract extension worth $15.25 million per year.
In the three years since that deal was inked, Simmons has three times been named second-team All Pro, including for the 2023 season it was announced Friday.
Among the 50 voters, Simmons received two first-place votes and 26 points to finish fourth among safeties. Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton and Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr. were the first-team All Pro safeties. Simmons joined Atlanta’s Jessie Bates III for the second team.
It was the fourth time overall Simmons has been second-team All Pro. He has never made been a first-team All Pro. Pat Surtain II has, as the Broncos’ cornerback was named first-team All Pro last season.
However, in one of the more surprising All Pro omissions, Surtain this year not only didn’t make the All Pro first or second teams, he wouldn’t have made the third team if the All Pro balloting went that far as he finished with the seventh-most votes among cornerbacks.
The 50 Associated Press voters seemed to be sending Surtain a message: More picks, please. Surtain had just one interception this season and two the previous year.
Besides Simmons, Broncos rookie Marvin Mims Jr. was also named second-team All Pro kick returner. Mims was actually a better punt returner as he led the league with a 16.4-yard average. He was second in kickoff returns thanks to a 99-yard touchdown kickoff return during Week 3 at Miami.
Other Broncos receiving All Pro votes with points and (first-place votes):
Fullback: Michael Burton 8 (2)
Left tackle: Garett Bolles 2
Receiver: Courtland Sutton 1
Right guard: Quinn Meinerz 6 (1)
Linebacker: Alex Singleton 2
Cornerback: Surtain 21 (5)
Slot corner: Ja’Quan McMillian 1
Punt returner: Mims 18 (5)
> Watch 9NEWS original shows, live Colorado news and weather updates, daily forecasts, and sports coverage for free on the 9NEWS+ app on Roku and Fire TV.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.
