Tony Simmons (gridiron football)

High school

Simmons attended St. Rita High School on Chicago's south side. In 1993 he was named Chicago Sun-Times 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: 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. 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 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)

NFL career

Simmons was drafted into the NFL in the second round (52nd overall pick) of the 1998 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.

Simmons played five seasons as a pro with the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, 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.

NFL Europe career

In 2001, Simmons starred at wide receiver for the regular-season champion Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europa. He finished the season with 32 catches for 538 yards and caught seven Touchdowns.

CFL

Simmons played from 2004 to 2007 for CFL teams Edmonton Eskimos, and BC Lions as a wide receiver. He recorded 34 receptions for 504 yards, averaging 14.8 yards with four touchdowns. BC Lions reached and won the Prestigious 94th Grey Cup.

Denmark

In March 2010, Simmons signed with Danish team Triangle Razorbacks. He played wide receiver and served as the team's offensive coordinator and special-teams coach. Played in the Mermaid Bowl and finished 2nd place.

Hungary

In January 2011, Simmons joined the Hungarian team Békéscsaba Raptors as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, strength/speed coach and wide receiver. The team reached the Hungarian Football League 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, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator and strength/speed coach.

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.

Brazil

In July 2013, Simmons joined the Brazilian team East São Paulo as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator and strength/speed coach.

Finland

In November 2013, Simmons agreed to a deal with the Kouvola Indians to serve as their head coach for the 2014 Maple League season. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator, strength/speed coach and coaching consultant.

Italy

In January 2015, Simmons joined the Briganti Napoli to serve as their head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator and strength/speed coach. http://napoli.repubblica.it/sport/2015/02/09/news/nfl-102253733/</ref>

USA

In July 2015, Simmons joined the Bluefield College Rams to serve as their receivers/tight end coach and assistant strength conditioning coach. https://www.facebook.com/BluefieldCollegeFootball/videos/1034066779971043/</ref>

USA

In November 2015, Simmons joined the cast of American Grit. American Grit is an American reality television series filmed at the foothills of Mt. Rainier in Eatonville, Washington 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.

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 as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, coaching consultant, special-teams coordinator and strength/speed coach. The Moscow Patriots won the Russian American Football Championship with a perfect season. Also, the head coach, coaching consultant, offensive coordinator and strength/speed coach for the Russian National American Football Team.

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. http://futebolamericanobrasil.com/tony-simmons-e-o-novo-nome-no-comando-do-sao-paulo-spartans/</ref>

Switzerland

In January 2017, Simmons joined the Lausanne LUCAF Owls as head coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special-teams coordinator and strength/speed coach. http://lucaf.ch/news/119</ref>