NASHVILLE – Big Jeffery Simmons is back.
The big defensive lineman could be seen – and heard – at Titans minicamp on Tuesday.
After training on his own in recent months, Simmons said he's hungry for more – after losing 20 pounds to prepare for the 2025 season.
"It feels great," Simmons said. "It's great to be back on the field with the guys, getting to work with the guys. It's not always an easy decision, making the decision not to be here (for OTAs) with your teammates, especially with a lot of new guys. … But I made that decision, it was a personal decision.
"But today was a good day, and I was glad to be back."
With teammates surrounding him, Simmons did some up-downs, a welcome back of sorts, after being away.
Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson started that tradition last year, and Simmons knew he had to keep it going.
"Of course I haven't been here," Simmons said with a smile. "It took me a minute to catch my wind. I was like, I'm in shape, but (expletive), those up-downs, they hurt."
When practice started, Simmons looked good running to the ball.
He also exchanged words with rookie quarterback Cam Ward with what looked like playful banter.
"It was predetermined," Simmons said, smiling bigger. "I've been hearing how much smack he talks … and I saw him this past weekend and was like: I'm going to be talking smack to you, too. It's fun. … We went back and forth talking smack to each other and he was able to get back in the huddle and throw the ball down the field. That was the most impressive thing, not talking smack to me, but being able to get back in the huddle, get the plays to the guys, and still be able to operate the offense."
But make no mistake, Simmons is serious about being even better in 2025.
Simmons weighed in at 301 pounds, and he thinks the lighter weight will help him on the field.
"To get out here and put it to test," Simmons said of his lighter, 6-foot-4 frame. "I feel great, I feel light on my feet, and I still feel very explosive."
