Jeffery Simmons Thanks Titans Fans After Blockbuster Trade to Bears, 'The Emotions Have Been High'

Star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons thanked the Tennessee Titans organization and Titans fans on Friday following his trade to the Chicago Bears this week.

In an Instagram post, Simmons wrote that "emotions have been high," adding that he "never thought" he would be writing a farewell message to the only home he has ever known at the NFL level:

The struggling Titans decided to part ways with Simmons on Thursday, sending him and a 2028 fifth-round pick to the Bears in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Simmons' message, which saw him express his love and appreciation for the city of Nashville, came on the heels of the Titans paying tribute to him with an X post on Thursday night:

Originally selected 19th overall by the Titans in the 2019 NFL draft out of Mississippi State, Simmons established himself as one of the elite defensive tackles in the league during his eight-year tenure in Tennessee.

A four-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All-Pro, Simmons has recorded 46.5 sacks, 414 tackles and 72 tackles for loss in 106 career NFL regular-season games.

While Simmons never reached or won a Super Bowl with the Titans, he helped take them to the playoffs three times, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2019.

Simmons has gotten better with age as well, setting new career highs in sacks (11), TFLs (17) and forced fumbles (three) last season.

He is also on a strong pace this season with 38 tackles and four sacks through seven games.

Despite Simmons' strong play, the Titans are just 1-6 this season, and they made the decision to part ways with their best player even though he is signed through 2030.

In Chicago, Simmons will have a chance to make the Bears legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

On the strength of head coach Ben Johnson's offense, the Bears fell just short of the NFC Championship Game last season, and after a 5-2 start, they look to be in the mix once again this season.

Simmons is the type of difference-maker Chicago's defense was missing, and with him now leading the defense and quarterback Caleb Williams leading the offense, the Bears will be a tough out come January.