NASHVILLE – Jeffery Simmons hadn't planned on getting emotional.
In reality, Simmons hadn't planned to do exactly what he did on Sunday when he volunteered to show up for Habitat for Humanity's ribbon cutting ceremony in Nashville.
But the big defensive tackle's emotions got the best of him – and brought him back to his childhood – on a day when the Titans and Habitat for Humanity celebrated eight families becoming first-time homeowners.
At the event, located at Sherwood Homes at Park Preserve, Simmons surprised one family by announcing he would pay their mortgage for the next year.
The moment brought both Simmons, and the single mom who was the beneficiary of his good deed, to tears.
"I know what it feels like, to watch my mom struggle," said Simmons, fighting back tears. "My mom raised five kids, and she did it on her own, with no help. I've never seen my mom complain."
The news was greeted with "Praise the Lord" and "Thank you Lord" from the family, who hugged Simmons.
Earlier, Simmons had met with Habitat for Humanity to express an interest in working with them as his Give 'Em a Reason Foundation looks to work more toward building a legacy of helping families get into stable housing.
Simmons grew up in a small town in Mississippi and moved roughly 5-7 times in a 10- to 12-year period growing up.
The homes at Sunday's ribbon cutting event were partially funded through the Titans ONE Community Home Field Advantage Catalyst Fund. The grant, which awarded $120,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, supported the construction of 12 houses, four of which opened their doors in February.
"I know what it feels like to not be stable," Simmons said. "To be able to have a stable home, that's what hit home. … I didn't plan on getting emotional today. But to be out here, and seeing single parents, to be able to have their own space, to be able to have a space for their kids that they can call their home."
Johari Matthews, Vice President and Executive Director of ONE Community and the Titans Foundation, said there was a wide range of first-time homeowners who were able to move into new homes, from single parents to elderly adults who owning home first time, at Sunday's event.
"It is incredibly important for us, a meaningful moment for us to be a part of," Matthews said.
Lauren Payne, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, called it a special day.
"These moments, as these families are pursuing their dream of home ownership," Payne said, "I like to say that it is not that you see that there is a problem with the affordable housing community, but our partners, like the Titans, stepped up and said there is a problem and we want do something about it."
Simmons, a three-time Titans nominee for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award, said he was happy to be a part of it.
And, in the future, he plans to keep doing more.
Since launching the Give Em A Reason Foundation in 2022, Simmons has consistently been active in communities in Nashville, and back home in Mississippi.
"I'm grateful to be in this position," Simmons said, "and praise God for (putting me) in a position to be a light and help out her family."
