Jeffery Simmons has always been a force to be reckoned with on the Tennessee Titans’ defensive line, but the two-time Pro Bowler is now signaling a major transformation that could alter both his personal trajectory and the fate of the franchise. In a candid and revealing conversation, Simmons shared insights about his offseason mindset, a shift in leadership approach, and the emotional toll of recent seasons that have shaped this pivotal moment in his career.
For years, Simmons has been the Titans’ anchor in the trenches, providing relentless pressure up front and embodying the physical, no-nonsense identity that head coach Mike Vrabel has tried to instill throughout the organization. But even the fiercest competitors feel the weight of unmet expectations. The Titans finished 6-11 last season, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, and Simmons—despite his own standout performances—has felt the frustration boiling beneath the surface. Now, heading into the 2025 season, he’s taking a new approach—one focused not just on performance but on presence, mindset, and legacy.
The major change Simmons refers to isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional. He’s entering this season with a new sense of clarity about his role as a leader in the locker room. No longer satisfied with just “doing his job,” Simmons wants to elevate the entire culture of the Titans, starting with himself. He’s placing a renewed emphasis on accountability—both in himself and in his teammates. It’s a change born not out of criticism, but out of a deep sense of responsibility. Simmons is no longer the young up-and-comer trying to prove himself; he’s the heartbeat of the defense and a voice others naturally follow.
That sense of responsibility has driven Simmons to reevaluate everything from his diet and recovery routines to how he communicates with rookies and veterans alike. He’s begun to approach every practice and meeting with intention, staying after workouts to mentor younger players and being more vocal during team huddles. What once was an internal fire to succeed individually has evolved into a desire to create collective greatness.
“I had to look in the mirror and realize that being great isn’t just about what I do on Sundays,” Simmons said. “It’s about what I do every day. How I lead, how I lift up others, how I carry myself when things aren’t going right.”
Simmons has taken that mindset into the offseason, working closely with new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to sharpen both his technique and his understanding of how to make everyone around him better. With Wilson bringing in a fresh scheme that emphasizes versatility, aggression, and communication, Simmons is being asked to take on more than just his standard responsibilities. He’s learning new alignments, adapting to different looks, and even helping design some of the defensive strategies that will define Tennessee’s identity in 2025.
According to Simmons, the communication with Wilson has been a game-changer. Rather than sticking strictly to the playbook, there’s now a collaborative environment where feedback is welcomed and ideas flow freely. That trust has empowered Simmons, giving him not just a sense of ownership over his role, but over the entire defensive unit. It’s that sense of empowerment that he hopes will be contagious across the team.
The Titans are a team in transition. With a young quarterback in Cam Ward, a revamped offensive coaching staff, and several new faces on both sides of the ball, the franchise is embracing change in every corner. Simmons, as one of the longest-tenured stars on the roster, sees it as his duty to be a stabilizing force. But instead of clinging to old habits or relying solely on his résumé, he’s using this moment to evolve alongside the team.
This transformation didn’t come overnight. Simmons admits that last season was one of the most emotionally taxing of his career. Watching injuries pile up, losses stack, and morale dip left him questioning not his talent, but the direction of the team. There were nights, he says, when he couldn’t sleep after tough losses—nights when he replayed key moments in his head and wondered what more he could’ve done.
Rather than letting that frustration fester, Simmons used it as fuel. He immersed himself in film study during the offseason, examining not just his own tape, but also looking at the best defensive linemen in the league to see what made them successful. He traveled to work with personal trainers, consulted with nutritionists, and even took up mindfulness exercises to help with the mental grind of an NFL season. It’s all part of his commitment to being more than just a great player—he wants to be a great leader, teammate, and example.
His teammates have noticed. Several young players have already pointed to Simmons as the voice that keeps things together during tough practices. Coaches say his film room presence is more commanding, and his influence on the locker room has become impossible to ignore. For Simmons, it’s not about praise—it’s about impact.
“I’ve been blessed to play this game and wear this jersey,” Simmons said. “But what kind of legacy do I want to leave? I want to be remembered not just for sacks or tackles, but for how I helped build something lasting here.”
That lasting legacy will depend in part on how the Titans perform this season. There’s cautious optimism that Cam Ward can jumpstart a struggling offense, but the defense—led by Simmons—will need to carry the load early. That means generating pressure, forcing turnovers, and playing with the kind of intensity that can set a tone for the entire team. Simmons is ready for that challenge, and he’s made it clear he expects everyone else to be as well.
He’s also aware of how much the fans matter. Simmons has always had a strong connection with Titans supporters, and he sees their loyalty as something that demands his best effort. When asked about the boos that sometimes rained down last season, he didn’t flinch. “They expect more from us, and they should,” he said. “I take that personally. I want to be part of giving them something to be proud of again.”
That passion and self-awareness are why so many believe this version of Jeffery Simmons is the best yet. He’s no longer chasing validation; he’s chasing growth. And in that pursuit, he’s finding a deeper purpose.
There’s a different kind of fire in Simmons this offseason. It’s not just about making the Pro Bowl or racking up stats. It’s about unlocking the next level of leadership, toughness, and unity. It’s about being the standard, even when the scoreboard doesn’t go their way. And it’s about reminding the league that, even at its lowest point, Tennessee has warriors in the trenches who are willing to fight for more.
The Titans have endured a rough stretch, but Simmons believes brighter days are coming. Not because of blind faith—but because of work, grit, and a shared vision. And at the center of that vision stands a 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive lineman who’s more determined than ever to leave his mark—not just in sacks, but in standards set and hearts changed.
As Simmons prepares for what could be a defining season in his already impressive career, one thing is clear: the Titans’ future may be uncertain, but their foundation has never been stronger. He’s not just ready to play—he’s ready to lead a renaissance. And if his voice, effort, and commitment are any indication, Tennessee may be on the verge of turning the page toward something special.
