Clyde Simmons is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. He was born on August 4, 1964, in Lane, South Carolina, and attended Western Carolina University, where he played college football.
Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the ninth round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He played for the Eagles for eight seasons, from 1986 to 1993, and was a key member of the team's defense during that time. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 1991 and 1992, and was also named a first-team All-Pro in 1991.
In 1994, Simmons was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the Jacksonville Jaguars for two seasons, from 1996 to 1997, before finishing his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played from 1998 to 2000.
Throughout his career, Simmons was known for his pass-rushing ability and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He finished his career with 121.5 sacks, which ranks 20th all-time in NFL history. He also had 17 fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
Simmons was a member of several successful teams during his career. He played in two NFC Championship games with the Eagles, in 1988 and 1990, and was a member of the Cardinals team that reached the playoffs in 1998. He also played in the Jaguars' inaugural season in 1995, when the team reached the AFC Championship game.
After retiring from football, Simmons worked as a defensive line coach for several NFL teams, including the Cleveland Browns, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Los Angeles Rams. He also worked as a defensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers in 2011.
In 2020, Simmons was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame, in recognition of his contributions to the team during his career. He remains one of the most successful and respected defensive players in NFL history, and his legacy continues to inspire young players today.
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