Miles
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- Mar 18, 2019
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Simmons has contributed more than 3,500 minutes with 20 different local organizations in 2019, working in the five areas of Youth Development, Hunger Relief, Health & Wellness, Youth Football and Civic Engagement.
Though Simmons was surprised by the nomination, his consistent involvement in the community makes him an unsurprising nominee.
“Justin is a staple at every single team event and teammate event, throughout the years,” Engelken said. “No event is too big, no event is too small, and the relationships that he built with individuals in this community is unmatched by any player.”
The six guests, Simmons’ family and the Broncos kept the announcement a secret for the next 21 days, until Simmons’ nomination was announced in a team meeting this morning.
But Simmons’ community involvement is no secret — his coaches and teammates can’t help but notice his work off the field.
“Justin is a guy that is very deserving of that award,” Head Coach Vic Fangio said. “I know he puts in a lot of time off the field helping other people. The thing about it too with Justin, I think he really enjoys doing it and does it for all the right reasons, and it’s a great honor for him.”
Simmons says his parents and his faith led him to become so involved in the Denver metro area.
“My parents used to always talk to me about giving back, and one of the best gifts that you can give to someone else is your time,” Simmons said.
His upbringing has spurred Simmons to be involved in whatever city or state he calls home. Cornerback Isaac Yiadom, who played with Simmons at Boston College, can attest to that.
“He deserves [the nomination]. It’s no surprise,” Yiadom said. “If anybody has earned that award, it’s definitely Justin. And that’s just the type of person he’s been his whole entire life, all through college and in the NFL, nothing’s ever changed him. So, he’s always been a person that loves giving back, loves being out there for his community.”