Tony De'Angelo Simmons (born December 8, 1974) is a former
American football
American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team wi ...
player. He played in the
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
for the
New England Patriots,
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland. Named after original coach and co-founder Paul Brown, they compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (A ...
,
Indianapolis Colts,
Houston Texans and
New York Giants. He has also played for the
Edmonton Eskimos,
BC Lions
The BC Lions are a professional Canadian football team based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Lions compete in the West Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and play their home games at BC Place.
The Lions played their first seas ...
of the
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL; french: Ligue canadienne de football—LCF) is a professional sports league in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football. The league consists of nine teams, each located in a ci ...
, Triangle Razorbacks in the
National Ligaen in Denmark and for the Békéscsaba Raptors in the
Hungarian American Football League
The Hungarian Football League (HFL) is the top tier national American football competition in Hungary, organized by the Hungarian Federation of American Football (MAFSZ). The competition was formerly called Hungarian American Football League (MAFL) ...
.
Simmons has been a football coach for well over a decade, all over the world.
In 2020, he was scheduled to be the Head Coach for the
Cabo Marlins of the
Fútbol Americano de México
The Mexican American Professional Football League ('', FAM'') was a professional american football minor league in Mexico, founded in 2018. Due to sponsorship reasons, the league was also known as FAM-YOX for the 2022 season.
Starting with five ...
, but the season was ultimately canceled due to COVID.
In the
2022 European League of Football season
The 2022 ELF season is the second season of the European League of Football, a professional American football league based in Europe. Twelve teams from five different countries will participate. The 2022 season started on June 4, 2022, and will c ...
he is the wide receiver coach of the
Panthers Wrocław in Poland.
High school career
Simmons attended
St. Rita High School on Chicago's
south side. In 1993, he was named ''
Chicago Sun-Times
The ''Chicago Sun-Times'' is a daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Since 2022, it is the flagship paper of Chicago Public Media, and has the second largest circulation among Chicago newspapers, after the ''Chicago ...
'' Prep Athlete of the Year for his participation in both
football and
track. As a senior, Simmons won the state championship in the 100- and 200-meter dash events with times of 10.5 seconds and 21.58 seconds, respectively. He shares a distinction with two other NFL players who also attended both St. Rita and the
University of Wisconsin–Madison
A university () is an institution of higher (or tertiary) education and research which awards academic degrees in several academic disciplines. Universities typically offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In the United Stat ...
: former high school and college teammate
Ahmad Merritt, and former
Chicago Bear Dennis Lick. Simmons and Merritt played against each other and caught touchdown passes in
World Bowl IX
World Bowl IX was the ninth championship game of the NFL Europe League. It was held at the Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 30, 2001. The game was between the Barcelona Dragons (NFL Europe), Barcelona Dragons, who ...
. In April 2011, Simmons was inducted into the St. Rita High School Hall of Fame.
College career
Simmons played
college football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He left Wisconsin as the school's all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 23 (this record has since been broken by
Lee Evans), earning him the nickname "Touchdown Tony" among the
Camp Randall
Camp Randall was a United States Army base in Madison, Wisconsin, the largest staging point for Wisconsin troops entering the American Civil War. At this camp fresh volunteers received quick training before heading off to join the Union Army. Also ...
faithful. He also competed in track Wisconsin and he is a Big Ten 100m (10.15) and 200m (20.44) Champion. He was part of the 1995-1997 Triple Crown Champions (Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track)
Professional career
Simmons was drafted into the NFL in the second round (52nd overall pick) of the
1998 NFL Draft
The 1998 NFL draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18–19, 1998, at the Theater at M ...
by the New England Patriots.
Simmons played five seasons as a pro with the
New England Patriots,
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland. Named after original coach and co-founder Paul Brown, they compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (A ...
,
Indianapolis Colts and
New York Giants. He amassed 58 receptions for 998 yards with six touchdowns, averaging 20.8 receiving yards per game. Simmons also had 12 punt/kick returns for 241 yards, averaging 20.1 yards per return.
In 2001, Simmons starred for the regular-season champion
Barcelona Dragons of
NFL Europa. He finished the season with 32 catches for 538 yards and caught seven touchdowns.
Simmons played from 2004 to 2007 for the
Edmonton Eskimos and
BC Lions
The BC Lions are a professional Canadian football team based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Lions compete in the West Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and play their home games at BC Place.
The Lions played their first seas ...
of the
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL; french: Ligue canadienne de football—LCF) is a professional sports league in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football. The league consists of nine teams, each located in a ci ...
(CFL). He recorded 34 receptions for 504 yards, averaging 14.8 yards with four touchdowns. The BC Lions won the 94th
Grey Cup.
In 2010, Simmons played for the Triangle Razorbacks in Denmark
National Ligaen. The Razorbacks reached
Mermaid Bowl Danish championship game, losing to the
Søllerød Gold Diggers with final score of 13-0. Simmons had 43 receptions and 8 touchdowns during the Razorbacks 10-0 regular season.
In January 2011, Simmons joined the Hungarian team Békéscsaba Raptors as a player and coach. The team played in the Hungarian American Football League (second division) and finished 2nd place.
Coaching career
Denmark
In 2010, Simmons was an assistant coach with Danish team Triangle Razorbacks. The Razorbacks played in the
Mermaid Bowl Danish championship game, losing to the
Søllerød Gold Diggers with final score of 13-0.
Hungary
In January 2011, Simmons coached the Hungarian team Békéscsaba Raptors. The team reached the
Hungarian American Football League
The Hungarian Football League (HFL) is the top tier national American football competition in Hungary, organized by the Hungarian Federation of American Football (MAFSZ). The competition was formerly called Hungarian American Football League (MAFL) ...
second division Pannon Bowl and finished 2nd place.
India
In January 2012, Simmons joined the
EFLI Elite Football of India to help develop coaches and players as a coaching consultant, coach, and referee in the first-ever American football played in India. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, strength/speed coach, and referee.
Austria
In April 2012, Simmons joined the Austrian team Amstetten Thunder as head coach and helped coordinate the offense and defense. The Thunder played in Austria's second division below the
Austrian Football League
The Austrian Football League (AFL) is the highest level of American football in Austria founded in 1984.
The Austrian Football League (AFL) has always been considered among the best and strongest leagues in Europe. The league plays by rules based ...
and reached the division 2 playoffs.
Italy
In January 2013, Simmons joined the Italian team Cagliari Crusaders as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, and strength/speed coach.
Finland
Simmons agreed to a deal with the
Kouvola Indians to serve as their offensive coordinator for the 2014
Maple League season. He also served as coaching consultant.
Italy
In January 2015, Simmons joined the
Briganti Napoli to serve as their head coach in the Italian league second division below the
Italian Football League
Italian Football League (IFL) is the top level American football league in Italy established in 1980.
History
In the 1970's teams formed and played in Italy. In 1980 the first official American football league in Italy was established and crow ...
. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, and strength/speed coach.
United States
In July 2015, Simmons joined the
Bluefield College Rams to serve as their receivers/tight end coach and assistant strength conditioning coach.
United States Reality TV Personality
In November 2015, Simmons joined the cast of ''
American Grit
''American Grit'' is an American reality television series that premiered on Fox on April 14, 2016. The series stars WWE wrestler John Cena. Fox ordered ten episodes for the first season of the competition series. On July 29, 2016, Fox renewed th ...
'' an American reality television series starring
WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., d/b/a as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and vari ...
wrestler
John Cena
John Felix Anthony Cena ( ; born April 23, 1977) is an American part-time professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper. He is currently signed to WWE. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, he is tied ...
filmed at the foothills of
Mount Rainier in
Eatonville, Washington
Eatonville is a town in Pierce County, Washington, United States. It is south of Tacoma. The population was 2,845 at the 2020 census. The town motto is "Better Together".
History
For centuries, Nisqually people roamed the rivers and streams o ...
that premiered on
Fox
Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright, triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail (or ''brush'').
Twelve sp ...
on April 14, 2016. Simmons finished third in the competition.
Poland
In January 2016, Simmons joined the
Warsaw Sharks as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, and strength/speed coach.
Russia
In May 2016, Simmons joined the
Moscow Patriots
The Moscow Patriots are a professional American football team based in Moscow, Russia. The Patriots compete in the Eastern European Super League (EESL) as a member club of the Super League. Home games were played at Sapsan Arena.
History
The team ...
as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, coaching consultant, special-teams coordinator, and strength/speed coach. The Patriots won the
Russian American Football Championship
Russian American Football Championship ( rus, Чемпионат России по Aмериканскому Футболу, Chempionat Rossii po Amerikanskomu Futbolu) is the highest level of American football played in Russia, previously known as ...
with a perfect season. Simmons also served as the head coach, coaching consultant, offensive coordinator, and strength/speed coach for the
Russia national American Football team
Russia (, , ), or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world, with its internationally recognised territory covering , and encompassing one-eigh ...
.
Brazil
In October 2016, Simmons joined the Sao Paulo Spartans as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, and strength/speed coach.
Switzerland
In January 2017, Simmons joined the
Lausanne LUCAF Owls as head coach. The Owls played in the National League B (the second highest level league in Switerland) below the
Nationalliga A . The team finished in fourth place.
Ghana
In July 2017 and July 2018, Simmons was the Head Camp Director of the Ezekiel Ansah Football Camp. Ezekiel Ansah is a fellow NFL athlete. The 2-day inaugural Ezekiel Ansah Football Camp had more than 500 participants from various schools in the
Accra metropolis. The students enjoyed lots of giveaways and had fun learning the game of football. The aim of the camp is to introduce a set of skills often used in the sport of American football while promoting the importance of physical education, teamwork, and demonstrating the discipline to work hard towards one’s goals. The maiden Ezekiel Ansah Football Camp commenced on July 14, 2017 at the Presbyterian Senior Secondary Schools.
Norway
In January 2018 - July 2019, Simmons joined the
Eidsvoll 1814s
The Eidsvoll 1814s are an American football team based in Eidsvoll, Norway. They are currently members of the Norway American Football Federation (NoAFF). Their name is taken from the signing of the Constitution of Norway at Eidsvoll in 1814.
Hi ...
in the
Norges Amerikanske Idretters Forbund as offensive coordinator and strength/speed coach. In 2018, he helped lead the Senior team to the playoffs and the U17 team to a championship. In 2019, he help lead the Senior team to a Runner-Up finish in the Championship and the U17 to a third place finish.
Germany
In October 2018, Simmons joined the
Rosenheim Rebels as the Team consultant. During his time with the Rebels, he developed and implemented recruiting camps, football skills camps, and sports performance training at Transformers Gymnasium for the city of Rosenheim. He helped develop with coaches the Rebels' new aggressive football playbooks and schemes. In the following season, the Rebels won there German regional league Championship which is a lower division of the
German Football League
The German Football League (GFL) is an American football league in Germany and was formed in 1979. Playing rules are based on those of the American NCAA. In 1999, the league switched its name from ''American-Football-Bundesliga'' to ''German Foot ...
Australia
In July 2019, Simmons joined the
Melton Wolves as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, and strength/speed coach, recruiter, team manager, and sports consultant.
Mexico
In January 2020, Simmons joined the
Cabo Marlins as its first head coach in its inaugural year in the Mexican
Fútbol Americano de México
The Mexican American Professional Football League ('', FAM'') was a professional american football minor league in Mexico, founded in 2018. Due to sponsorship reasons, the league was also known as FAM-YOX for the 2022 season.
Starting with five ...
(FAM). The season was cut short in March because of the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identi ...
. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, and strength/speed coach, recruiter, team manager, and business consultant.
Poland
In 2022, Simmons signed as wide receivers coach for the
Panthers Wrocław in the
European League of Football
The European League of Football (ELF) is a professional American football league. The league (as of the 2023 season) consists of 17 teams located in Germany, Poland, Spain, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic and France, with p ...
.
References
External links
Tony Simmonsat CFL.ca
Tony Simmonsat
NFL.com
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the major ...
Tony Simmonsat Europlayers.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Simmons, Tony
1974 births
Living people
American football wide receivers
American players of Canadian football
BC Lions players
Canadian football wide receivers
Cleveland Browns players
Edmonton Elks players
Indianapolis Colts players
New England Patriots players
New York Giants players
Players of American football from Chicago
Players of Canadian football from Chicago
Wisconsin Badgers football players
American expatriate players of American football
European League of Football coaches