Justin Simmons Will Perform Broncos Flag Planting Ceremony
The retired safety will take part in the pregame tradition before Sunday night's kickoff in Denver.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football
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Former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons will perform the alumni flag planting ceremony at Empower Field at Mile High on September 27, 2026. This tradition honors franchise history before the team faces the Los Angeles Rams.
Why it matters
The Denver Broncos organize these alumni appearances to celebrate franchise history and bridge the gap between past players and the current roster. Simmons remains a significant figure in local football history following his nine-season career.
Simmons concluded his nine-season NFL career with 666 tackles and 71 pass deflections. During his tenure with the Broncos, he recorded 30 interceptions.
The players
Justin Simmons
He is a former NFL safety who spent the majority of his nine-season career with the Denver Broncos.
Denver Broncos
This is a professional American football team based in Denver that competes in the AFC West division.
Tim Tebow
He is a former quarterback who previously played for the Denver Broncos and performed the flag planting ceremony in 2026.
The details
Simmons signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a Denver Bronco on April 29, 2026, after being selected by the team in the third round of the NFL draft. The flag planting ceremony involves a former player honoring the home stadium before the game begins.
Timeline
Justin Simmons retired from the NFL in April 2026.
Simmons signed a one-day retirement contract on April 29, 2026.
Alumni toured the new team facility in June 2026.
Tim Tebow performed the flag planting ceremony in September 2026.
The flag planting ceremony will occur on September 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This event follows the pattern established by the alumni flag planting ceremony, which connects Denver's historical legacy to the current team. It serves to maintain fan engagement during the 2026 season as the franchise honors its retired contributors.
Fans attending the Sunday Night Football game will witness the ceremony before the Broncos take on the Los Angeles Rams. The appearance marks a formal celebration of Simmons' career as a key defensive contributor in recent franchise history.
The takeaway
Honoring retired players through pregame traditions helps maintain team culture and fan connection throughout the season. These appearances serve as a reminder of a player's long-term statistical impact on the organization.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing season, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Denver Sports.
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