When the Tennessee Titans fell 37-24 to the San Francisco 49ers, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons expected a quiet evening at home. Instead, he discovered his garage door ajar and his garage contents missing.
The Break-In
Simmons called Metro Nashville Police after noticing the open garage door and posted several Instagram stories that included a home-security video. The footage showed two masked individuals entering through the patio at about 7:30 p.m. CST on Sunday night. The burglars were described in the video as boys or young adults carrying guns and other weapons.
Team Response
The Titans released a statement on Monday, saying team security was working with the Metro Nashville Police Department to investigate the burglary. The statement emphasized the organization’s commitment to player safety and community outreach.
Simmons’ Emotional Reaction
During a Thursday interview, Simmons said, “All the materialistic things, eventually I can get all of that back,” adding, “But if one of my family members would have lost their life, that’s what would have hurt way more than them breaking into my home. So I am grateful.” He choked up, using a towel to dry his eyes while speaking.
About the Player
Simmons is a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and is tied for the longest-tenured player on the Titans roster. Last week, he became the sixth player in NFL history to record a sack, force a fumble and score a touchdown in a single game. He caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Cam Ward, marking the second receiving touchdown of his career.
The Youth Angle
Simmons explained that the burglars appeared to be young, saying, “When I looked at my camera, them boys don’t look, I mean, them boys, they look like young kids,” he added, “They look like young adults too that (are) just lost right now, and that’s the reason why we’ve got to continue to use our platform.” He emphasized that his foundation works to help young people in the community.
Foundation Motivation
“I don’t do it for the publicity and the Walter Payton Man of the Year,” Simmons said. “You do it to try to impact somebody’s life. So yeah, man, it sucks.” He underscored that his philanthropic efforts are driven by a desire to make a tangible difference rather than seek recognition.
Related Burglary Cases
The FBI warned leagues in December 2024 about crime organizations allegedly targeting the homes of athletes such as Luca Donci, Bobby Portis, Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. Investigators believed organized theft groups from South America were behind the crimes, breaking into athletes’ homes while they were known to be on the road with their teams.
Cleveland Browns Connection
In a separate incident, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ home was burglarized during his NFL debut in November. Three masked individuals wearing gloves stole approximately $200,000 in property from his residence.
Community Impact
Simmons urged teammates and NFL peers to keep working with young people, stating that the burglars seemed “just lost right now.” He called for continued use of the platform that athletes hold to influence positive change in the community.
Security Measures
The Titans’ security team, in collaboration with local law enforcement, is reviewing protocols to prevent future incidents. The team’s statement highlighted ongoing efforts to safeguard players and their families.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffery Simmons’ home was burglarized after a Titans loss to the 49ers.
- Simmons expressed gratitude for his family’s safety over material losses.
- The incident underscores the need for youth outreach and community support.
Closing
The burglary of Simmons’ home serves as a stark reminder that even high-profile athletes are vulnerable to crime. His response-gratefulness for personal safety and a renewed focus on helping young people-illustrates how personal adversity can reinforce a commitment to community service. As the Titans and the broader NFL continue to collaborate with law enforcement, the hope is that such incidents will become rarer, allowing athletes to concentrate on their sport and their charitable endeavors.
