Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is one of the most physically imposing players in the league. Simmons has gained national recognition since breaking out as a third-year defender in 2021. Since then, he's made three Pro Bowl appearances in four opportunities.
It's also true that Simmons hasn't played to his full potential in recent seasons. He recorded just five sacks in 2024, his lowest output since 2020. Despite that, Simmons still gains national attention around the league. The former Mississippi State standout was recently named the fourth-best defensive tackle in the NFL by an ESPN-initiated exercise that polls more than 70 coaches and executives.
One retired NFL Pro Bowler recently told a story about Simmons that captures his essence. Ex Pittsburgh Steelers Ryan Clark made an appearance on the Green Light Podcast, hosted by former defensive end Chris Long. In response to a question about which NFL player they'd fear the most, Clark told a hilarious story about encountering Simmons at a Dallas Mavericks NBA Game.
Former NFL Pro Bowler recalls hilarious encounter with Titans DT Jeffery Simmons
"He [Simmons] sat next to me at a Dallas Mavericks game," Clark said. "He's a scary human, bro. Brother, he shook my hand and my forearm disappeared," Long added.
Chris Long and Ryan Clark talk about how scary #Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is.
— SharmSports (@SharmSports) July 9, 2025
“I sat next to him at a Dallas Mavericks game. He’s a scary human.”
“I shook his hand and my forearm disappeared.”
💀💀💀💀 #TitanUp
(🎥 @greenlight podcast) pic.twitter.com/BtUfOC0B6y
The Titans are reliant on Simmons to be more dominant this season. He'll spearhead a defensive line that features sophomore T'Vondre Sweat and rookie Femi Oladejo. Joining them will be veterans Arden Key, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Lorenzo Carter, and Dre'Mont Jones.
Dennard Wilson's defense recorded the third-fewest sacks in the NFL last season. Lacking a difference-making EDGE, the Titans need Simmons to collapse the pocket and create advantageous opportunities for his less talented teammates. That's the likeliest way for Tennessee's defensive line to be above average this season.
When offensive lineman encounter Simmons in 2025, hopefully they'll have a similar reaction to Ryan Clark and Chris Long.