Photo By: Greg Arias/All Titans
Carthon, Vrabel: Simmons A 'Model' And 'Embodies' A Titan
NASHVILLE - When Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel spoke about Jeffery Simmons on Wednesday during the team's press conference to announce the new contract extension for their star defensive tackle, they had some strong comments to share about Simmons.
While Carthon has only been part of the Titans franchise for a short time, it's clear from his words and those of Simmons that there is mutual respect between them.
"We're all here, and this is a very happy occasion to officially, officially announce the extension of Jeff Simmons. There's a model for what you want a player to be and what you want your organization to look like," said Carthon. "I think Jeff is one of those models for us. So this was something that was a priority to get done."
"I want to thank Chad Brinker, assistant general manager, and Vin Marino for all the work they put into making this happen, as well as Jeff's representative Paul DeRouselle, continued Carthon. "It was never not a moment where we weren't talking. Our first initial meeting to get something started, to get the conversation started, came a little bit after the Senior Bowl, and from that moment, we were diligently working to get this done, and it ultimately came to a conclusion last weekend."
As for Vrabel, who is the only head coach Simmons has known at the NFL level, their bond was apparent.
Photo By: Greg Arias/All Titans
"Jeffery, congratulations to you, to your family. You know Jeff embodies everything that we want in a Titan," said Vrabel. "From the time that we drafted him, from the time that we went down and spent time with him at Mississippi State, he answered a lot of questions truthfully, honestly, and you're a great example to our community, so thank you. You've earned this, and we're going to continue to hold you to a high standard. That will be the fun part, but you certainly embody everything that we believe in here as a team captain and a leader, and your performance on the field."
"So, obviously, thanks to Ran, Chad, and on behalf of our entire organization, Mrs. Amy (Adams-Strunk), and her family, congratulations, man, you earned this," concluded Vrabel.
Simmons is now the only current Titans player who is under contract until the scheduled date of the opening of the team's new downtown stadium, scheduled for 2027.
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