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Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons returned from an away game Sunday to discover his home had been burglarized while he was playing against the San Francisco 49ers.
The three-time Pro Bowler posted several Instagram stories documenting the break-in, including security footage that showed two masked individuals entering his residence through the patio at approximately 7:30 p.m. CST on Sunday evening, while Simmons was still in California.
“Team security is actively working with Metro Nashville Police Department to recover items stolen from Jeff Simmons’ house. No residents were home during the burglary,” the Titans organization confirmed in a statement Monday.
Simmons expressed gratitude that his home was empty at the time of the intrusion. “What if any of my family members was in my house?? All that materialistic stuff you can have but this is crazy!” he wrote in one social media post, emphasizing his concern for safety over material possessions.
The break-in came on the same day that Simmons achieved a rare statistical feat on the field. Despite the Titans’ 37-24 loss to the 49ers, Simmons became just the sixth player in NFL records to record a sack, forced fumble, and touchdown in a single game. The defensive standout caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cam Ward during a goal-line play, marking the second receiving touchdown of his professional career.
Titans interim head coach Mike McCoy addressed the situation during his Monday press conference, though he noted he hadn’t yet spoken directly with Simmons. “We’re trying to help him as much as we possibly can,” McCoy told reporters, adding that multiple team personnel had been in communication with the player.
This incident raises concerns about a potentially larger pattern of targeted burglaries against professional athletes. In December 2023, the FBI issued warnings to major sports leagues regarding organized crime groups specifically targeting high-profile athletes’ homes while they are traveling with their teams. The federal agency noted that homes belonging to NBA stars Luka Doncic and Bobby Portis, as well as NFL players Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow had been burglarized in similar circumstances.
Law enforcement officials at the time believed South American theft organizations were coordinating these crimes, strategically breaking into athletes’ residences during scheduled away games when they knew the homes would be vacant.
The timing of the break-in at Simmons’ home follows this established pattern, occurring while he was visibly away with the Titans for their West Coast matchup against the 49ers. Athletes’ schedules are particularly vulnerable to exploitation since their game and travel itineraries are publicly available, making it simple for criminals to determine when their homes might be unoccupied.
Simmons, 27, has been a cornerstone of the Titans’ defense since being selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $94 million contract extension with the team in 2023, reflecting his importance to the franchise.
Nashville police have not yet released additional details about the investigation, including whether they believe this case is connected to the broader pattern of athlete home burglaries. The Titans organization has indicated they will continue to support Simmons throughout the investigation process.
The NFL and other professional sports leagues have increasingly encouraged players to invest in comprehensive security systems and take additional precautions to protect their homes, especially during away games when their absence is public knowledge.
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12 Comments
Burglaries are such a violation of privacy and security. I feel for Simmons having to deal with this intrusion while away from home. At least no one was home, but it’s still a jarring experience. Hopefully the police can track down the culprits and return any stolen items.
Absolutely. A home invasion is so traumatic, even if nothing is taken. I’m glad Simmons and his family are safe, but I’m sure it will take time to fully recover from the emotional impact.
That’s really unfortunate for Jeffery Simmons. Home invasions are always scary, even when no one is home. I hope the police are able to quickly identify and apprehend the culprits. It’s good that Simmons is taking it in stride and prioritizing his family’s wellbeing over the stolen items.
Absolutely. A violation of one’s personal space can be deeply unsettling, even if nothing is physically harmed. Kudos to Simmons for keeping the right perspective during this difficult situation.
It’s good to see Simmons prioritizing his family’s safety over material possessions. A break-in is always unsettling, but at least no one was harmed. Hopefully the police can quickly apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen items.
Yes, his response shows great perspective. Material goods can be replaced, but the sense of violation and loss of security is much harder to overcome. I hope the Titans organization is providing him with the support he needs during this difficult time.
That’s awful to hear about Jeffery Simmons’ home being burglarized while he was away playing. I’m glad his family wasn’t home at the time, but it must be so frustrating and violating to have your personal space invaded like that. Hopefully the police can recover the stolen items quickly.
Agreed, the safety of his family is the most important thing. Material possessions can be replaced, but the emotional toll of a home invasion is much harder to recover from.
Wow, what a terrible situation for Simmons to come home to. It’s good that his family wasn’t there, but a home invasion is so violating. I hope the police are able to recover the stolen items and bring the perpetrators to justice quickly.
Agreed, a break-in can be extremely traumatic, even if nothing is taken. I’m glad Simmons is focusing on the safety of his loved ones rather than just the material loss. Hopefully this doesn’t distract him too much from his football career.
What a shame that Simmons had to deal with this on the same day he achieved an impressive statistical feat. He’s clearly focused on his team and his craft, so this must have been a huge distraction and disruption. I hope the Titans organization and police are able to provide him and his family with the support they need.
Yes, it’s really unfortunate timing. Simmons seems to have his priorities straight, focusing on the safety of his loved ones rather than the material loss. Hopefully the investigation leads to a quick resolution.