Russell Wilson, Justin Simmons give Denver Broncos two top leaders

Leadership is something seen on full display with Denver Broncos new quarterback Russell Wilson and Justin Simmons in the latest episode of Behind The Broncos.

Leadership is something seen on full display with Denver Broncos new quarterback Russell Wilson and Justin Simmons in the latest episode of Behind The Broncos.

The addition of Wilson to the Denver Broncos not only sends shock waves down the roster on the field but off the field as well. Wilson’s presence gives the organization stability everywhere.

One could even argue it was since the time George Paton stepped foot into the office over at Dove Valley. It is hard to argue that notion. However, in both on-field and off-field, Wilson gives Denver a true leader in all areas like a fellow safety in Justin Simmons.

In the recent Behind the Broncos episode, the team went behind the curtain one more time allowing fans to see the leadership of both Wilson and Simmons on display.

Simmons also mentioned how he became the kind of player and person he is with help from past safety groups. One player Simmons name-dropped during the episode was current safety, Kareem Jackson.

Jackson, an unrestricted free agent in this off-season, signed back with the Denver Broncos. The point Simmons made in terms of leadership is he has learned a great deal about how to teach the young guns the ropes of the NFL and how to be the kind of person they need to become off of the field.

This said to me Jackson was not a “should the Broncos re-sign” player, but a must re-sign for the organization. A whole other point entirely.

We mentioned above Simmons and his admiration of past safeties that he worked with during his time with the Denver Broncos.

When Simmons was drafted in 2016, the team had just come off a Super Bowl win against the Carolina Panthers. Also, the safety room consisted of Darian Stewart, TJ Ward, and Simmons.

Simmons was not a first-team safety yet during this point in his career. Simmons brought up both Ward and Stewart for being driving forces in how to be a better person and leader in his early years.

Of course, we are all aware of everything that happened after Super Bowl 50. There were, however, a few constants throughout these trials and tribulations. One player who became the face of the franchise in both community and with the team was Simmons.

Simmons made it a priority for himself to keep himself accountable and others accountable for the play throughout the years with the Denver Broncos.

He’s been the consummate professional his entire career and with a new quarterback who oozes that same leadership style, Denver has the opportunity to see their franchise on a firm foundation.

Thus enters Wilson into the chat.

Wilson joined the Broncos in 2022 this offseason, but he maintained the same level of personality and leadership as if he was still with the Seattle Seahawks. One important thing brought up by Wilson in the Behind the Broncos episode is him making it a priority to be at all the OTAs this season as a Bronco for the first time.

If that is not the sign of a leader there or even making a good first impression with your new teammates, then I don’t know what is.

Seeing both Wilson and Simmons talk about the value of leadership as an organization is something you could listen to for hours. If both decided to do a leadership podcast, they would have a consistent listener like myself.

Wilson brought a valuable point in this “unrelenting belief” a team should have as a franchise. The moment chips seem down or even up an organization keeps the same level of personality and winning commitment every single week or practice.

Wilson referenced something like this in the Dartmouth Commencement speech not too long ago. There he brought up the “Why Not You” that everyone has understood to this point. His part of the “Why Not You” is a winner’s mentality.

It certainly seems from an outsider’s view looking in that Wilson has brought that type of belief to his new organization the Denver Broncos.

The final reference point to make regarding the leadership of both Simmons and Wilson is how irreplaceable that is with an organization.

Back with the Seattle Seahawks during their consistent winning ways, they were led by strong defensive voices and of course Wilson.

Those defensive voices were Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor. If you look at the Denver Broncos’ current roster construction, there are plenty of similarities.

Denver may not have their Wagner, but they certainly have leaders like Sherman, Thomas, and Chancellor.

Players such as Patrick Surtain II, Justin Simmons, and Kareem Jackson. Of course, this is not mentioning other leaders on the offensive side of the ball.

The sole point of this piece is for people to understand it is rare for teams to have this kind of leadership from the top down.

As mentioned at the very beginning of this, it is attributed in large part to George Paton making this team very attractive without an owner. Now the organization has a very rich cash flow owner in Rob Walton who has other people to operate with the same mindset in the front office.

Lastly, two players who are in the upper echelon of their respective positions and pillars of the community and franchise.

Both Simmons and Wilson are regarded as one the best at their positions, but more importantly leaders on and off the field. We are talking about an offensive player and a defensive player. Both sides of the ball are covered.

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The Denver Broncos organization and fanbase have to be ecstatic having two people be a strong voice for the organization in both Simmons and Wilson.