At the Pro Bowl, Jeffery Simmons Vows to Keep…

LAS VEGAS – Tears ran down the face of big Jeffery Simmons at his introductory press conference with the Titans.

It was April of 2019, and Simmons, sitting two seats down from Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk, tucked his head and got emotional when Strunk spoke about her faith in him while welcoming him into the organization.

The Titans had taken the defensive lineman in the first round of the NFL Draft after questions about his health, and character, were raised during the pre-draft process.

At the time, Simmons vowed to reward the Titans – and Strunk.

Three years later, Simmons has developed into one of the NFL’s best defensive linemen.

On Thursday at the Pro Bowl, Simmons recalled that day while thinking about what’s transpired since.

“I’ll never forget that,” Simmons said before practice. “I think it was all about me proving to myself – and to the Titans as well – that I am who I am. I am not faking anything – I wasn’t faking it back then. I was thankful then, and I am thankful for everything now.

“I have only been in Nashville for three years, and I feel like I have a lot more to prove to the city. I feel like I am just getting started, on the team, and in the community. There’s a lot more that I want to do.”

Simmons thanked Titans General Manager Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel for believing in him back then.

And he thanked Strunk, someone he’s developed a nice relationship with since.

“I am always exchanging texts with Miss Amy,” Simmons said. “We keep up with each other, even on holidays, wishing each other ‘Merry Christmas’, whatever it might be. I always tell her I appreciate her for trusting in me. When I first got drafted by the Titans I promised her that I was going to be a guy she could trust, and I’m grateful she and the Titans took a chance on me.”