Simmons suffers torn ACL injury
Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons seemed almost certain to hear his name called in the first round of the National Football League Draft in April, however that is very much in jeopardy now as Simmons has torn an ACL in his knee while prepping for the draft.
“Unfortunately, I tore the ACL in my left knee when I was going through position drills this past weekend while training in Boca Raton, Florida,” Simmons posted in a statement on social media Tuesday. “I just want everyone to know that no matter what, God makes no mistakes. He is preparing me for GREATER things ahead!”
Simmons went on to announce that he will undergo surgery in the early part of next week and then begin his rehab process.
“I am going to come back stronger and more determined than ever,” Simmons said. “If it is in God's will, no matter which team drafts me this April, I will work extremely hard to get healthy and become a leader in that organization.”
Simmons had already been informed that he would not be invited to the upcoming NFL Combine due to the league's rule regarding issues of violence. Simmons was caught on camera punching a woman multiple times shortly after he signed with MSU back in 2016. He was ultimately allowed to enroll at Mississippi State and went on to have an outstanding career on and off the field.
Simmons capped off his time at MSU by earning All-american honors by both the Associated Press and The Athletic following his 2018 regular season. He was also picked as a first team ALL-SEC selection by the AP and league coaches.
Simmons tied for fourth in the SEC in tackles for loss in 2018 (14.5). He was one of only three interior defensive linemen in the SEC with 20 or more quarterback hurries. He did all this despite drawing frequent double teams.
If his on-the-field prowess wasn't enough, he was also a two-time member of the SEC'S Academic Honor Roll in his career.
It all added up to what looked certain to be a first-round NFL Draft selection with many outlets projecting Simmons as a top-15 pick. However that now becomes extremely questionable as Simmons would presumably be forced to sit out some or all of his rookie season recovering and rehabbing.
However Simmons seems to remain upbeat.
“I reflect on how much God has brought me through,” Simmons said. “He has shown me so much in my life these last couple of years and now is the time for me to NOT give up.”