Former All-Pro safety Justin Simmons may have officially retired from the NFL, but the door to a comeback is not entirely shut. The Denver Broncos star revealed how only one franchise can bring him back to the field.

“Oh, if it is Denver, there’d be no doubt. I’m living in Denver right now. I’m planning on staying in shape. So I guess the door is creaked open just a tad. Only if it’s Denver," said Simmons.

Justin Simmons appeared on the ‘Up & Adams’ show with Kay Adams on Thursday, 7 May, 2026. It has been just over seven days since he announced his retirement from the NFL. Adams asked a hypothetical question about his return, and Simmons was quick to respond.

After the Broncos drafted Simmons in 2016, he developed into an elite safety. Eight seasons with the Broncos and Simmons earned four Second-Team All-Pro selections and became one of the most productive safeties.

His consistency and ability to make turnovers helped him become a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense for about a decade.

In March 2024, the Broncos cut him as a salary cap casualty, which helped the team to save over $14 million. He spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons before he stepped out for the whole 2025 season.

Ultimately, he signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Broncos to retire with the franchise that drafted him.

Justin Simmons Prioritizes Family Following NFL Retirement

In 2025, Justin Simmons preferred family over chasing a short-term NFL opportunity. He felt safe and comfortable backing off and focusing on fatherhood.

His wife, Taryn, and children were staying in Denver while he was in Atlanta. His kids include two daughters and a son, named Laney Rae, Shae Rose, and Kyler Eli, respectively.

Last week at his retirement press conference, he said, “It was hard seeing Taryn struggle with them out here. Not on her own, but without Dad, I missed my wife, I missed my kids. I missed what was so familiar for eight years.”

He even mentioned that before joining Adams on Thursday, he had just dropped his kids off at school, and he’s settled into “dad mode.”

Simmons said, “When I commit to things, I’m pretty committed. Saying I’m retired is like, I’m retired. I don’t want to go back on my word.”

Simmons outlined a life rooted in Denver. But for now, he is retired.

What are your views on Justin Simmons’ retirement? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri