Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons has given back to his old school, Noxubee County High School, and was honored for his contributions on Thursday.
Simmons paid to renovate the practice facilities at the school, which led to Noxubee County High School naming a building after the Titans defensive lineman two years ago.
On Saturday, Simmons was officially honored in front of the “Jeffery B. Simmons Field House.”
“Growing up I never imagined my name being on a building, better yet the field house that I spent my high school career in,” Simmons said. “Giving back to my high school means a lot to me. I will never forget this day and will forever be grateful!”
“Growing up I never imagined my name being on a building, better yet the field house that I spent my high school career in. Giving back to my high school means a lot to me. I will never forget this day and will forever be grateful! 🙏🏽” – @GrindSimmons94
📸: @Theo_DeRosa pic.twitter.com/JiWwtlvtI5
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 8, 2022
Simmons played on both offense and defense during his high school days and won three MHSAA titles in four years with the Tigers.
Throughout his time at the school, the practice facility was in a less than ideal condition, but Simmons believes the players making the best of the situation is a big reason why the high school won so many titles.
“It was always hard,” Simmons said, via Theo DeRosa of The Dispatch. “No one ever complained. That’s why we’ve got as many championships as we’ve got right now.”
It was always his goal to one day give back to the school after making it to the NFL, and Simmons did just that by paying for new weights and a paint job, among many other things.
“It means a lot for him to give back to the place where he started,” Noxubee County coach Teddy Young said. “To keep helping these young guys to grow, to be a mentor to them — I know he has a busy schedule, but he’s always giving back to us.”
