Jeffery Simmons lived out a surprising NFL dream in big Titans win
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons got to live out a longtime NFL dream on Sunday when he entered the game on offense. With just 14 seconds remaining until halftime and the Titans looking to extend their 17-3 lead over the Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee rolled out an offensive package that had Simmons lined […]
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons got to live out a longtime NFL dream on Sunday when he entered the game on offense.
With just 14 seconds remaining until halftime and the Titans looking to extend their 17-3 lead over the Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee rolled out an offensive package that had Simmons lined up in the backfield.
Simmons blocked for running back Derrick Henry, who took the direct snap, rolled right, and threw a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Josh Whyle just before halftime. Whyle then handed the ball to Simmons, who gave it a celebratory spike.
As Simmons said after the game, getting on the field with the offense is a "big man's dream." But next time around, Simmons has his heart set on getting in the endzone.
"It's always a big man's dream to be on offense. Hopefully one day they'll throw it to me," said Simmons with a smile after the game. "At the end of the day, that's a hell of a play, a great scheme and play in the red zone and a hell of a job by Derrick [Henry] throwing…Like I said, being able to be out there was a dream come true for a big man."
"Throw it to me," said Simmons when I asked him if he is going to be advocating for the ball moving forward. "Hopefully Derrick can hit me one of these days. I don't know when it's going to be but hopefully I can get a touchdown on offense."
According to Titans starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Simmons asking for the ball is nothing new. Tannehill joked in his postgame press conference about Simmons joining the huddle and wanting the ball in his hands.
"Jeff’s always lobbying for the ball," said Tannehill. "You’ve got to ignore the noise when Jeff’s in the huddle. It’s good to have him in there."
At this point, the Titans need to make this happen next time the opportunity presents itself. Tim Kelly was in his bag with the creative playcalling on Sunday. Now he just needs to scheme up a similar play where Simmons releases into a route and gets the ball thrown his way.
Simmons can do it all on defense. Who says he can't catch TDs too?
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