Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons was announced as the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award on Tuesday.
The yearly award recognizes players for their work in community service, as well as their performance on the field. Each team has one nominee and the winner is revealed at the NFL Honors show in February.
“It feels great, especially with me, knowing where I came from,” Simmons said, per Jim Wyatt. “To be in a position to be able to give back, it means a lot. I want to be a light in the community. I know this is going to mean a lot to my family, because they know this is where my heart is, giving back to the kids, or whoever it might be.
“And it means a whole lot to me as well.”
Simmons has made countless contributions off the field, including through his Give Em A Reason Foundation, which was founded in 2022.
Most recently, Simmons was named the Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP after he gifted over 500 turkeys to Nashville families for Thanksgiving.
Simply being nominated is an honor, and it’s well-deserved for Simmons, who has been a true asset to the community since arriving in Nashville.
