NASHVILLE – Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons has been named the Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP after providing turkeys to more than 500 Nashville families for the Thanksgiving holiday.
"The Bible says in Luke 12:48 that 'To whom much is given, much will be required.' Growing up in Noxubee County, Mississippi, I watched my mother make countless sacrifices for me and my four siblings, especially during the holidays," Simmons said in a release provided by NFLPA. "Knowing that God has put me in a position to be a blessing to others means the world to me, and I realize there is still so much work for me to do in the community. I want to sincerely thank everyone for helping with the Give Em A Reason Foundation Turkey Distribution."
Coach Mike Vrabel gave Simmons permission to leave Tuesday's walkthrough early so he could attend an event for his Give Em A Reason Foundation, and cars lined up outside of Nissan Stadium for the drive-thru turkey delivery.
Simmons partnered with Kroger to help feed families for the holidays.
"Being able to give back to the community means so much to me," Simmons said earlier this week. "This is a time of giving, and being in the position I am today … I always think about how I am thankful to play the game of football. I'm thankful to be able to give back to the community. I think, around this time, maybe someone didn't have the money, or whatever it might be, to buy a turkey? I think about those things."
Following the event, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, FrankTown Open Hearts, and other local nonprofit organizations were able to use and distribute the remaining turkeys to additional recipients who were unable to attend.
"Just the excitement on their faces," Simmons said. "All the 'thank yous', the 'thank you for what you do for the community.' That's what it is all about. I don't look for the publicity on the outside, I do it because that is my heart. I do it for my community. … It meant a lot to be out there."
In honor of Simmons being named this week's Community MVP, the NFLPA is making a $10,000 contribution to his foundation or charity of choice. In turn, Simmons will take part in a virtual or in-person visit to a school or children's hospital. Along with the other 2023-24 Community MVPs, he will also become eligible for this year's Alan Page Community Award, which is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.
Now in its 10th season, the Community MVP campaign is part of the NFLPA's continued efforts to support the year-round, civic outreach and engagement of its player members. Please visit the NFLPA Community MVP website to learn more about the program.
2023-24 NFLPA Community MVP winners:
Week 1: Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings
Week 2: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Week 3: Justin Hardee, New York Jets
Week 4. Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions
Week 5: Arik Armstead, San Francisco 49ers
Week 6: Emmanuel Ogbah, Miami Dolphins
Week 7: Calais Campbell, Atlanta Falcons
Week 8: Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 9: Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants
Week 10: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Week 11: Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans
Week 12: Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans
Coach Mike Vrabel gave Simmons permission to leave Tuesday's walkthrough early so he could attend an event for his Give Em A Reason Foundation.
Cars lined up outside of Nissan Stadium for the drive-thru event.
Simmons partnered with Kroger to help feed families for the holidays.
"Being able to give back to the community means so much to me," Simmons said earlier this week. "This is a time of giving, and being in the position I am today … I always think about how I am thankful to play the game of football. I'm thankful to be able to give back to the community. I think, around this time, maybe someone didn't have the money, or whatever it might be, to buy a turkey? I think about those things."
Following the event, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, FrankTown Open Hearts, and other local nonprofit organizations were able to use and distribute the remaining turkeys to additional recipients who were unable to attend.
"Just the excitement on their faces," Simmons said. "All the 'thank yous', the 'thank you for what you do for the community.' That's what it is all about. I don't look for the publicity on the outside, I do it because that is my heart. I do it for my community. … It meant a lot to be out there."
In honor of Simmons being named this week's Community MVP, the NFLPA is making a $10,000 contribution to his foundation or charity of choice. In turn, Simmons will take part in a virtual or in-person visit to a school or children's hospital. Along with the other 2023-24 Community MVPs, he will also become eligible for this year's Alan Page Community Award, which is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.
Now in its 10th season, the Community MVP campaign is part of the NFLPA's continued efforts to support the year-round, civic outreach and engagement of its player members. Please visit the NFLPA Community MVP website to learn more about the program.
2023-24 NFLPA Community MVP winners:
Week 1: Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings
Week 2: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Week 3: Justin Hardee, New York Jets
Week 4. Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions
Week 5: Arik Armstead, San Francisco 49ers
Week 6: Emmanuel Ogbah, Miami Dolphins
Week 7: Calais Campbell, Atlanta Falcons
Week 8: Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 9: Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants
Week 10: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Week 11: Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans
Week 12: Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans
