After signing with the Green Bay Packers in April, linebacker Isaiah Simmons is opening up about his short stint with the New York Giants and how the experience has fueled his motivation ahead of the season.
The Giants never opted to extend Simmons’ contract after their 3-14 run last season. Speaking at the Packers’ press conference last Thursday, the former Clemson Tiger made it clear that he had no lingering animosities with his former squad.
“I’m actually very grateful for New York for what they did. They lit a fire under me, and I’m ready to go,” Simmons said.
Playing for 67 games in his career, making 329 tackles, and five interceptions, Isaiah Simmons shared his trust for Green Bay’s defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, hoping to develop him to his full potential.
“I think really what I ran into most of my career is everybody wants me to do everything as opposed to letting me get really good at one thing first,” Simmons said. “I fully believe in Haf’s plan. He’s letting me just lock in and learn a small portion first before we even think about expanding to anything else.”
Isaiah Simmons, drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, also made his feelings clear about his versatility on the field, where he also took the role of a defensive end, a cornerback, and a safety throughout his career.
“That’s been huge for me. It’s something … that hasn’t been presented to me because my versatility, I feel like it’s a little bit of a gift and a curse, where they want you to do everything but, at the end of the day, I’m still a human,” Simmons added.
Isaiah Simmons ready to play linebacker for Packers
Now with a fresh team, Isaiah Simmons acknowledges the Packers’ defensive field, although he made it clear that he would be one of the specific pieces the team needs to complete the puzzle.
“They were nothing but upfront,” Simmons said. “They were like, ‘We’re just going to be completely candid. Most of our guys are coming back. There are a few pieces that we need, and you happen to be one of them.'”
Moreover, coordinator Hafley is also ready to coach Simmons.
“We’re excited about getting him,” Hafley said about Simmons. “I loved him coming out of school; think a lot of us did. He’s a big, fast, physical guy that can run, and he’s made plays before, so we’re hoping to put him in position to help him help us.”
Isaiah Simmons and the Packers have a packed schedule ahead of them. They’ll face the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders in the first two weeks, although they might light up against Cleveland in Week 3.
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