Justin Simmons says Broncos having 'fun' in offseason under new head coach Sean Payton

The Denver Broncos might want to burn all evidence of the 2022 NFL season after a lowly 5-12 finish, but for safety Justin Simmons, his mind is already on the future.

"One of the unique situations that playing in the NFL brings opportunity-wise is week in and week out through a 17-game season, obviously when you play on Sunday, you win or you lose," he told USA TODAY Sports. "And when it comes time to watch that film on Monday, no matter what happens, you have to turn the page and get ready for next week. ... You have to have a short-term memory. ...

"So 2022 Denver Broncos are in 2022. We’ve turned the page and we’ve done a great job at that, all focused on 2023. I think that helps a lot when you have that mindset and I know a lot of our team does."

The Pro Bowler instead channeled Smokey the Bear on Tuesday and was part of USAA and the Denver Fire Department's "Prevent Defense" event in the city, promoting awareness about helpful tips to prevent forest fires. He said he was excited to be a part of the campaign because of its natural ties to his sport.

"Hearing ‘Prevent Defense’ for me automatically put me in the football mode," he said. "… Just like playing defense in the NFL, with the campaign title, wildfire prevention is all about preparation and we all have to do our part. … You may not be in a situation in the game where you have to go over prevent defense like you practiced for, but if you are, you’re going to be well prepared and you’re going to execute at a high level."

Simmons knows a thing or two about executing at a high level. Despite missing five games due to injury last season, he had six interceptions, which was tied for first in the NFL. He's eighth in franchise history with 27 career interceptions.

'Prevent Defense' for wildfires

According to 9 News, the Denver area has had 14.42 inches of precipitation through June this year, more than the classically rainy Seattle. So forest fires in the usually dry climate of the Mile High City might not be on the top of everyone's mind at the moment, but Simmons said that there's still ways to be proactive against fires.

"One of the preventative measures that we talked about was to clear some dry brush and grass out of your yard to clean the leftovers in your drains because it’s been raining so much and things like that," he said, "‘cause even small things like that can cause a wildfire, which is crazy to think about."

Justin Simmons speaks on new Broncos coaches for 2023 season

On the football field, the Broncos are now led by Super Bowl champion Sean Payton, who was named the head coach in February. Former Broncos head coach Vance Joseph has returned and is now defensive coordinator. Simmons is enthusiastic about the new regime even though they've only participated in OTAs together, calling it "fun."

"Working with coach Payton has been great. It’s obviously been just a few short months talking about OTAs, but they’ve been great," he said. "Practices have been fun and obviously having VJ back with the Broncos and him stepping into that DC role and having more hands on has been great. So OTAs went well, I’m really looking forward to camp here in the next few weeks."

NFL training camps: Key dates for all 32 teams leading into regular season

Justin Simmons on 'game wrecker' Frank Clark joining the Broncos from rival Chiefs

The final member of the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team, kicker Brandon McManus, was cut this offseason. But newcomer Frank Clark brings the experience of winning two championship rings with him. The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker signed with Denver as a free agent this offseason after spending four years with the Kansas City Chiefs. He had 127 tackles and 23.5 sacks in his time with the AFC West rival, where he won all eight matchups against the Broncos.

Simmons said he hasn't gotten to know Clark very well yet, but is grateful to not have to face him anymore.

"I’ve obviously seen him play a few times the past few years, unfortunately against us," Simmons, who was drafted by the Broncos just a year too late to be a part of the Super Bowl victory, said of Clark. "He’s a heck of a player, he’s a game changer, a game wrecker. I’m so excited to have him on our team and can’t wait to get to work with him. And really looking forward to seeing how he impacts the game for us now instead of other teams."

Justin Simmons speaks on value of Kareem Jackson re-signing with Broncos

A not-so-new player on the Denver defense is 13-year veteran defensive back Kareem Jackson. He signed a one-year contract this offseason to spend his fifth year with the Broncos, which Simmons said he was "stoked" about.

Simmons, who's becoming a leader himself, spoke on the value Jackson brings to the team and to his personal life. The two held a free football camp together on Saturday where more than 200 kids attended.

"Kareem’s been one of the biggest monuments in my NFL career," Simmons said. "I’m super thankful for his wisdom, his leadership, his friendship, his brotherhood, I just can’t say too many good things about him. He’s been so influential in my life."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Justin Simmons speaks on Broncos' mindset with head coach Sean Payton