NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons addressed his commitment to the franchise Tuesday, one day after coach Brian Callahan subtly challenged him to up his production. Simmons stressed his longstanding bond with the Titans and exhibited optimism about his future in Nashville.
During minicamp, Callahan praised Simmons’s growth on and off the field, framing the upcoming season as the “best version of Jeff” yet. “He’s always working at something… you’d like to feel like he’s sort of hitting his prime at this point,” Callahan remarked, according to The Associated Press .
At the heart of Callahan’s challenge was Simmons’s sack total. The three-time Pro Bowler posted just five sacks in 2024 — a career low that tied for third fewest in the league among Titans defenders . “We got to stop saying just affect the quarterback,” Simmons echoed, “We’ve got to sack the quarterbacks.” .
Simmons backed Callahan’s assessment in his comments. Standing on a lighter frame — he’s down approximately 20 pounds — the 6-foot-4, 305-pound tackle said he felt faster and leaner, with renewed confidence in his solo training program . “It was a lot of different things that I did… being consistent with my… meal prep to the way I was training,” Simmons explained. “We’ve got to sack the quarterbacks.”
Offensive metrics aside, Simmons reinforced his loyalty to the Titans organization. Earlier this year, he said he “100 percent believe[s] in the organization in Tennessee,” citing confidence in the franchise’s foundation, culture, and leadership . That conviction predates his four‑year, $94 million extension signed in April 2023, a deal securing his place on Nashville’s defensive line through at least 2027 .
Simmons is not just focused on individual accolades; he wants to lead a turnaround. The Titans are coming off a disappointing 3–14 season — the franchise’s worst since 2014 — and have missed the playoffs for three straight years . Simmons emphasized the need for accountability and cohesion, especially with the team’s youth. “I learned… some of them didn’t know how to handle constructive criticism… so for me, it’s all about: How can I be a better leader?” he told NBC Sports earlier this year .
Social media has also played a role in Simmons’s narrative. He used X/Twitter to squash trade rumors, insisting that congratulating former teammates wasn’t a hint of discontent. “Stop trying to make stories!” he wrote in January . In May 2024, he posted directly to Titans fans: “Titans fans how we feeling?? Can’t wait to see you guys in a couple months!! … soon we’ll be locking them mf gates.”
That message remains clear today: no distractions, no talk of exits — just preparation. As Simmons enters his seventh NFL season, his goal is simple: live up to his talent.
“I’m here. I’m locked in. I want to sack those quarterbacks, lift this team, and help write a new chapter in Titans history.”
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