Broncos safety Justin Simmons named second-team AP All-Pro

Justin Simmons earned Pro Bowl alternate and second-team AP All-Pro recognition this season.

Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons has been named to the second-team 2021 All-Pro team voted on by the Associated Press, the newspaper announced Friday.

Simmons (6-2, 202 pounds) totaled 80 tackles, 12 pass breakups, five interceptions and 1.5 sacks in 17 starts this season. He was a key member of Denver’s defense that allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL in 2021.

Kevin Byard (Tennessee Titans) received 41 votes and Jordan Poyer (Buffalo Bills) received 12 votes, earning first-team All-Pro honors at safety this year.

Simmons, Micah Hyde (Buffalo Bills) and Budda Baker (Arizona Cardinals) all received 10 votes, creating a three-way tie for the second-team safety spot, and all three defensive backs made the AP’s reserve roster.

Simmons also earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2019, and he made the Pro Bowl last year. Simmons was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl this season.

Besides Simmons, the only other Bronco who received votes this year was punter Sam Martin. He received one vote, far behind AJ Cole (Las Vegas Raiders; 21) and Bryan Anger (Dallas Cowboys; 18).

Martin had a net average of 42.8 yards per punt this season (third-best) and 28 of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line (fifth-best).

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