Jeffery Simmons continues to give back to Starkville Community with 4th Annual Football Camp
For the last four years, Jeffery Simmons has been giving back in a major way to the Starkville community.
The former Noxubee County star and Mississippi State standout, Simmons looks back at his own childhood for inspiration. When the NFL came calling and Simmons earned his due contract, his message shortly after was about hope for the next generation and not allowing circumstances to dictate a journey.
Simmons has continued to preach that message every year when he comes back home and he did it again this weekend with his 4th Annual Jeffery Simmons Football Camp at the Starkville Sportsplex.
Though Simmons has had the vision and loves doing his part, he also gives credit to a multitude of people that help make it happen. Among those doing the heavy lifting is his Director of Operations and Business Management, Freddie Poindexter of Macon.
“I just show up,” Simmons said. “I give all of my props to Freddie and his team for always putting a great event together. I’m grateful to have a team like that and a support system like that since I was a kid.”
Circumstances brought Simmons’ camp to Starkville and it fit
Simmons’ football camp became a reality back in 2020 and its origins in Starkville were by happenstance.
The original idea for Simmons was to have his camp on the field at Noxubee County, but a conflict kept that from happening and he was left scrambling the weekend of his event. At the last minute, Simmons put in a call for Mayor Lynn Spurill asking if his team could use the Sportsplex and the Mayor obliged with no issues
“When I first brought it to her that I wanted to bring it (to the Sportsplex), there weren’t too many questions. It was, ‘of course,’” Simmons said of his initial talks with Spruill. “From that point on, it’s been unbelievable. Each year we’ve been growing and that’s the goal – to continue to grow.
“It’s hot, but I want them to get something out of this instead of coming out here and running around. You’ve got vets out here; you’ve got guys that have played in the NFL. Getting the knowledge from all of them is the beauty of it.”
Since that time, the event has transformed to become bigger and better every year. Along the way, that included Simmons helping pay for a turf field at the Sportsplex that carries his name.
Separate from his camp, Simmons has also created a Community Fun Day in Noxubee on 4th of July weekend that includes entertainment, vendors and a fireworks show. On Thursday night before his first day of camp, he’s begun doing a shopping spree for local kids at Academy Sports.
It’s all part of Simmons’ plan to spread love in a community that loved him.
“It’s just something I’ve enjoyed doing. It was a great turnout for the second year in a row. Then we have the shopping spree. We randomly selected kids and it’s just another way for me to give back and the kids to spend a little more intimate time with me,” Simmons said. “Me seeing the smiles on their faces is heartwarming for me. The reason I do it is for the kids.”
Simmons eager to see what Bulldogs, Titans can do in 2024
While Simmons is back in Starkville and the area a couple of times a year, he’s still looking to meet the new Bulldog staff face-to-face.
A former five-star recruit at Noxubee, Simmons chose to stay home and play for the Bulldogs for three seasons and he became one of the best defensive tackles in school history. While the faces have changed tremendously over the years, his love for State still holds.
“I haven’t been around that much as I normally want to. My goal is to get down for the first game,” Simmons said. “I’ve talked to Lebby here and there and I’m excited for him. Hopefully we can get back to rolling and playing Mississippi State football.”
As for his current team, Simmons is getting ready to suit up for yet another season in Nashville playing for the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans have a new coaching staff of its own and some new faces in the locker room as well. Simmons admits he still doesn’t have a read on this year’s team to this point, but he’s looking forward to getting back to his teammates in the next couple of weeks and getting to work.
“We’ve got to get to camp and see. Our work starts in two weeks. I’m excited about the year and a new coaching staff,” Simmons said. “I don’t put expectations on our season or say we’re going to win the Super Bowl. I’m going to take it one day at a time and be the best leader and captain I can be.”
