Justin Simmons leads the NFL in interceptions since he entered the league
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons intercepted a pass from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday to help seal a 24-9 upset victory, snapping Denver’s 16-game losing streak to KC.
Mahomes has thrown more interceptions to Simmons (five) than any other defender in the NFL (the next-closest player has two INTs against Mahomes). The Chiefs’ quarterback is not alone, though, as Simmons is one of the best ball hawks in the game.
Simmons has recorded 29 interceptions since he entered the league in 2016, which is tied for the most INTs in the NFL during that time frame. Simmons now has two interceptions this season, making him the only player in franchise history to record multiple interceptions in each of his first eight seasons.
Simmons also continues to climb Denver’s all-time interceptions list. His 29 interceptions currently rank eighth, but he’s not far behind Dennis Smith (30). Steve Foley holds the franchise record with 44 interceptions, and he played 11 seasons with the Broncos. At his current pace, Simmons is on track to match Foley’s 44 career interceptions in his 11th season.
Here’s a quick look at the NFL’s top-five interception leaders since 2016.
T-1. Justin Simmons: 29 interceptions
T-1. Xavien Howard: 29 interceptions
3. Kevin Byard: 27 interceptions
4. J.C. Jackson: 26 interceptions
T-5. Quandre Diggs: 24 interceptions
T-5. Marcus Peters: 24 interceptions
T-5. Darius Slay: 24 interceptions
