Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons continues to make a difference in the community. This month, Simmons hosted his annual ‘An Evening with Justin Simmons’ fundraiser to help local youth development programs in the area.
Simmons donated over $30,000 to the Denver Public Schools Foundation, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver. Each group received $10,031.31 from Simmons and his wife, Taryn.
The Justin Simmons Foundation also awarded a $50,000 grant to Green Valley Elementary to help build a new playground.
‘I think one of the things I like most about our foundation and what we are doing is shining a spotlight on other non-profit organizations or schools that are doing such amazing work and just may not have the public notice,’ Simmons said during the event.
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Kids from each organization were in attendance. They were able to meet several Broncos players including defensive end Bradley Chubb, running back Melvin Gordon III, cornerback Patrick Surtain II and kicker Brandon McManus among others.
‘What a great platform that we have playing for the Denver Broncos and being a part of that amazing organization,’ Simmons said. ‘To kind of shine some light on what people are doing, and how great they are impacting the community in Denver.’
Earlier this year, Simmons purchased championship rings for his alma mater, the Martin County Tigers, after the basketball team won the state title.
‘It’s no way I would be where I am if it wasn’t for the people that invested into me and told me ‘I could do it or told me my dreams weren’t too big,” Simmons said. ‘That’s what we want to do for our youth, and it’s just been really fun.’
The NFL Players Association recognized Simmons for his great efforts. Simmons was named the Week 6 NFLPA Community MVP. The NFLPA will make a $10,000 donation to a charity or foundation of his choice.
Simmons will also be eligible for the 2022 Alan Page Community Award. He joins NFL athletes Myles Garrett, Terry McLaurin, Cody Davis, Darren Waller and John Metchie III as recipients of the NFLPA weekly honor.
‘My wife, Taryn, and I are honored to be named this week’s NFLPA Community MVP,’ Simmons said after receiving the award. ‘Empowering and educating our youth has always been our passion.’
This season, Simmons has 15 tackles and one fumble recovery. He suffered a thigh injury in the season opener and returned in Week 6.
He joins McManus as the latest Broncos player to win the NFLPA Community MVP award. McManus received the special honor in Week 15 of the 2021 season.