The Bears acquired All-Pro veteran defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on Thursday in a trade with Tennessee. Simmons sat down with ChicagoBears.com after his first practice as a Bear on Friday to discuss why he chose to wear No. 99, his love for fishing, why his mom is his inspiration and more.
What are you most excited to see or do in Chicago?
Well first, I'm not excited about the weather right now. I'm joking. What I'm most excited about is my first game at Soldier Field. From what I've been hearing from the guys in the locker room telling me how much the fans really love the players here and this team, especially with the love I've been getting on social media, I'm super excited for that.
What's the story behind choosing No. 99 as your number in Chicago?
I was actually on the plane when I was headed out here yesterday, and I was just thinking, this is something new for me. This is a new beginning. I feel like this is just a new chapter in my life. I knew Sweat didn't mind giving me 98, but I also said I didn't want to get the number from him, one. But two, it was more I wanted something new. I wanted this to be a new chapter, a new reason behind everything I do. I just said it's only right to go with a new number, and that was 99. And 98 + 1 = 99.
Who inspires you the most?
I think the person who inspires me, especially when I was growing up and to this day, is my mom. My mom raised five kids on her own. I've never had a dad in my life. But to see her never complain, working from job to job — we always had great birthdays, always had a great Christmas. She's my reason, and she's my rock, and her dedication to making sure her kids never suffer from anything - that's what inspires me the most.
Do you have a hidden talent?
No. One of the only things I enjoy doing outside of football, which I suck at, is golfing, but I really enjoy it. But I think I'm probably the best fisherman on the football team.
Who taught you how to fish?
My grandpa gave me my first rod and reel when I was six or seven years old, and from that day forward, that's my go-to. That's my kind of reset. That's my kind of get back to center. Fishing is something I really love doing.
Do you remember your "Welcome to the NFL" moment?
Against the Bucs. Of course, I got drafted with a torn ACL, and my first game was against the Chargers. I can't really say that was my "Welcome to the NFL" moment, because I had a pretty decent game. But I think maybe the following week, we played against Tampa Bay, and I got a double team, and I'm like, "Okay, these guys — everybody's big, everybody's strong, and now I gotta fix my technique a little bit." So probably getting that double team that game.
Who's been the toughest person to go up against in your career?
There's always great competition. I always feel like I gotta bring my A game with everybody in this league. Everyone's in the NFL for a reason. At this point in my career, I'm just getting double-teamed the whole game.
