No Fly Zone, Justin Simmons return in former Broncos defensive back reunion

Led by Talib and Harris, the Broncos’ No Fly Zone will be honored as Simmons returns with the Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — There will be a Denver Broncos defensive back reunion so crowded this Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, Peyton Manning circa 2013 would have trouble completing a downfield pass.

Former Denver standout safety Justin Simmons returns as an Atlanta Falcon. You might have heard about that homecoming. But the Broncos are also honoring their No Fly Zone secondary from their 2015 Super Bowl 50 team. There are six confirmed members of the No Fly Zone who will attend – starting cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr., starting safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart, plus nickelback Bradley Roby and dime safety David Bruton.

Those six will conduct the pregame Flag Plant ceremony and be recognized on the field during the second quarter.

Simmons, who was known for much of his career as a 100 percent play snap guy, should be on the field for all Atlanta defensive plays against the Broncos’ offense.

“Practicing against him for years is one thing but to get live bullets it’ll be fun,’’ said Broncos’ receiver Courtland Sutton. “I jokingly told him, ‘Hey bruh, if you see me coming across the middle, just remember we’re friends.”’

Simmons, who is more apt to come across the middle looking for a pick than a hit, was a third-round draft pick of the Broncos in 2016. He intersected with the No Fly Zone defensive backs but missed out by a year their magical season of 2015. Simmons’ extraordinary leap-over-the-line and extra-point block of Sean Payton’s New Orleans Saints as a rookie helped the Broncos finish with their last winning record at 9-7.

But from there Simmons became the modern-era Lionel Taylor or Floyd Little — the best player on an extended run of bad Broncos’ teams.

His 31 interceptions over eight seasons in Denver led the NFL in that period. He was four times selected second-team All Pro and twice earned a Pro Bowl nod.

“I have nothing but love for Broncos Country,’’ Simmons told Atlanta reporters Wednesday. “I’ll always be thankful for my opportunity. That organization invested into me, extended me and the community there embraced my family. I’ll always be through and through a Bronco for life. Those guys have always done right by me and my family.”

The Broncos gave him a contract extension prior to the 2021 season that paid him $15.5 million a season for three more years but the team released him in March before paying him $14.5 million in what would have been the fourth and final year of his contract.

“That was difficult, holy cow,’’ said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “I was just with him a season, but it’s always difficult when you’re dealing, especially with a veteran, someone who’s played so well for the organization. Those are never easy decisions.”

The move shocked Broncos fans but the reality is the player the team signed to replace him, Brandon Jones, is having a better year. Simmons, who turns 31 on Tuesday, has 35 tackles and one interception in 9 games. Jones, 26, has a team-most 74 tackles and an interception.

Still, Jones has to put together a few more good seasons in Denver to match Simmons’ overall career here. Simmons was more than a safety. He was also by far the most involved Bronco player in charitable causes and community events during his time here.

“I just think he was a very selfless guy,’’ said Broncos’ cornerback Pat Surtain II. “Just with what he stood on, helping his teammates out, being an advocate towards the community and stuff like that with the he does off the field. Him being a leader in a various amount of ways. I sort of took that and learned that from him and tried to apply it to my leadership as well. I learned a lot from Justin over the years that I for sure will carry on with me as the years go on.”

And now Simmons will play against his former team and teammates, at his former home stadium, in front of his former home fans.

“Running out on the stadium on the other side will be a little bit different,’’ Simmons told Atlanta reporters. “I won’t hear as many cheers, I’ll probably hear a little bit more boos. But I think that’s part of it. I’m really looking forward to this one.”

Said Sutton: “It’ll be fun. Justin’s my guy. I’m obviously sad that we don’t get to share a locker room together anymore but happy that he found another home. Happy that the Falcons knew the value they were getting with signing him and watching him on film he’s still Justin Simmons. He’s a guy that makes plays. I’m sure he gives the guys in front of him confidence knowing that he’s back there because he’s such a smart player, such a reliable player.’’

Simmons was asked if there would be smack talk between him and his former teammates, particularly his secondary pals Surtain, fellow safety P.J. Locke, Ja’Quan McMillian and Riley Moss.

“We’re in a little group text so we’ll be talking throughout the season and I’m sure there will be smack talk,’’ Simmons said. “I might just mute it and talk them afterwards but I wanted to make sure I gave love to the organization and to the fan base there. They treated my family and I so well. And I do have nothing but love for the team and the fan base and for the community. That’s still home for us. But at the same time, too, I’m a Falcon and I’m looking forward to go up there and find a way to get our seventh win.”

As for the No Fly Zone, the Broncos’ media team will be taping several interviews with its members this weekend. Those interviews will be part of an hour-long No Fly Zone special that will be shown in December on 9NEWS.

Source