Isaiah Simmons (born July 26, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals eighth overall in the 2020 NFL draft. While at Clemson, Simmons was noted for his positional versatility as he played linebacker, defensive end, cornerback and safety.
Early life Isaiah Simmons was born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 26, 1998. He later attended Olathe North High School in Olathe, Kansas, playing defensive back and wide receiver. He committed to Clemson University in February 2016.
College career Simmons redshirted his first year at Clemson in 2016. As a safety in 2017, he played in 14 games, recording 49 tackles and one sack. In 2018, he converted to linebacker. In a game against Louisville, he had a 27-yard pick six in a 77–16 victory. In 15 games, Simmons had 97 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception. He returned to Clemson in 2019 rather than enter the 2019 NFL draft. Simmons received the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker for his performance that year. After graduating in December 2019 with a degree in sports communication, Simmons announced that he would forgo his senior year by declaring for the 2020 NFL draft. During his time at Clemson, Simmons was noted for his positional versatility, taking snaps at linebacker, defensive end, cornerback, and safety.
Professional career
Arizona Cardinals Simmons participated in the 2020 NFL Combine, leading all linebackers with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. He was one of 58 players invited to the 2020 NFL Draft, which was held virtually due to social distancing regulations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, where he was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the eighth overall pick.
Despite playing only five snaps in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, Simmons recorded his first career interception off Russell Wilson with a minute left in overtime, helping the Cardinals win 37–34. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Simmons entered the 2021 season as a starting inside linebacker. He started all 17 games, finishing third on the team with 105 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and seven passes defensed.
In Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints, Simmons recorded five tackles and returned an interception 56 yards for his first NFL touchdown in the second quarter in the 42–34 win. In the 2022 season, he finished with four sacks, 99 total tackles (68 solo), two interceptions, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 17 games and 13 starts.
On May 1, 2023, the Cardinals declined the fifth-year option of Simmons' contract, making him a free agent in the 2024 offseason.
New York Giants Simmons was traded to the New York Giants on August 24, 2023, in exchange for a seventh-round pick (No. 226) in the 2024 NFL draft.
During a Week 11 game against the Washington Commanders, Simmons intercepted a pass off of Sam Howell and returned it for a touchdown, sealing the game and resulting in a victory for the Giants. In the 2023 season, he finished with one sack, 50 total tackles (33 solo), one interception, three passes defended, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble in 17 games and four starts.
On April 5, 2024, the Giants re-signed Simmons to a one-year, $2 million contract. On October 6, in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Simmons blocked a potential game-tying field goal from Jason Myers, which was returned for a touchdown by Bryce Ford-Wheaton, as the Giants won 29-20. Simmons was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.
Green Bay Packers On April 29, 2025, Simmons signed with the Green Bay Packers. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.
Carolina Panthers On November 25, 2025, Simmons signed with the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. Simmons was signed to the active roster following Trevin Wallace's move to injured reserve on December 27. In Carolina's Wild Card playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Simmons recorded a blocked punt late in the fourth quarter that set up an eventual lead-changing touchdown; however, the Panthers would go on to lose the game, 34-31.
On March 10, 2026, Simmons re-signed with the Panthers. He was releaesed on August 30 as part of final roster cuts and signed to the practice squad the next day. On September 23, Simmons was promoted to the active roster.
Career statistics
NFL Year Team Tackles Interceptions Fumbles 2020 ARZ 16 7 43 11 54 4.0 2.0 1 12 0 2 1 1 2021 ARZ 17 17 70 35 105 4.0 1.5 1 0 0 7 4 0 2022 ARZ 17 13 68 31 99 5.0 4.0 2 61 1 7 2 1 2023 NYG 17 4 33 17 50 2.0 1.0 1 54 1 3 1 1 2024 NYG 17 1 12 9 21 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2025 CAR 5 1 2 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2026 CAR 2 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 90 42 104 227 331 15.0 8.5 5 127 2 21 9 3
College Year Team Class Tackles Interceptions Fumbles 2016 Clemson FR 1 1 0 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 2017 Clemson FR 13 27 18 45 3.0 1.0 0 0 0.0 0 6 1 0 2018 Clemson SO 15 53 35 88 9.0 2.0 1 27 27.0 1 6 3 0 2019 Clemson JR 15 67 37 104 16.5 8.0 3 42 14.0 0 8 2 1 Career 44 148 90 238 28.5 11.0 4 69 17.3 1 20 6 1
References
External links
Carolina Panthers bio Clemson Tigers bio