Jeffery Simmons has wasted little time making himself comfortable with the Chicago Bears. Two games, two victories, and a fan base that has already embraced its newest defensive star. But the veteran defensive tackle wasn't exactly celebrating when he first learned he was being traded.
During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Simmons admitted he was initially upset about the trade that ended his eight-year run with the Tennessee Titans.
And it wasn't because he had a problem with Chicago.
Simmons never expected the Titans to trade him
Simmons was inside the Titans' facility when his agent began calling him early that Thursday morning. His phone was on Do Not Disturb, but several missed calls told him something wasn't right.
Eventually, he learned Tennessee was trading him to Chicago.
"I was like really pissed off that it really happened right then and there," Simmons told Eisen.
For Simmons, the frustration came from believing he had earned a different ending in Tennessee. He had spent eight seasons with the organization, developed relationships throughout the building, and considered himself one of the players holding the locker room together.
He wasn't coasting through a losing season, either. Simmons explained that he continued giving everything he had, regardless of the team's record.
That's what made the news difficult to swallow. He understood the business side of football, but understanding a decision doesn't necessarily make it any easier to accept.
Chicago has already changed his perspective
Whatever frustration Simmons carried out of Tennessee hasn't followed him onto the field in Chicago.
He told Eisen that the reception from Bears fans has been unbelievable. Seeing Chicago supporters pack the stands during a Monday night game in Seattle gave him chills, while his first home appearance at Soldier Field left another lasting impression.
The adjustment has apparently gone so well that Simmons is already thinking about spending the remainder of his career with the Bears.
That's a remarkable turnaround for a player who wasn't expecting to change teams just a few weeks ago.
Simmons also praised Ben Johnson's leadership and the confidence throughout Chicago's locker room. He believes the Bears have the talent to compete for a championship, provided they stay healthy.
The Bears surrendered two first-round picks to acquire Simmons, making this one of the organization's biggest investments in recent memory.
Chicago certainly didn't make that move for a short-term rental.
And judging by Simmons' latest comments, the feeling is mutual. What began as an upsetting phone call in Tennessee could turn into the best chapter of his NFL career.
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