Jeffery Simmons Welcomes Prime-Time Opportunity with Bears Following Titans Trade

Jeffery Simmons is ready for the prime-time spotlight.

Simmons, who was traded from the Titans to the Bears this week, is set to appear on Monday night against the Seahawks before taking the field again next week on Sunday night against the Buccaneers. As one of the NFL’s marquee franchises, Chicago regularly occupies prime-time slots—a significant shift for Simmons, who has not played in a prime-time game since 2023.

The Titans have no prime-time games scheduled this season and had none in 2024. Although they appeared in one prime-time contest in 2024, Simmons missed it due to an elbow injury. His most recent prime-time appearance came in 2023, reflecting how rarely Tennessee has been featured in prominent national broadcasts.

“It’s exciting. I haven’t played in a prime-time game since 2023,” Simmons said. “It’s been that long since I’ve played in prime time. I think it was Thursday night against the Steelers, the last time I actually played in one. It’s exciting. When you’ve got a prime-time game, it means you’re doing something right. With this team, coming off last year’s success and looking ahead this year, what more could you ask for? To step into this situation, help this team win big games, play meaningful football at this time of year, and have my first game in Chicago be on Monday night—I think that’s the dream of every NFL player. I’m so excited to get out there Monday night.”

Simmons said he has grown accustomed to kicking off at noon Nashville time on Sundays and heading home in time to watch Sunday Night Football, so he views prime-time games as special occasions, much like the fans do.

“I play at 12 o’clock every Sunday,” Simmons said. “To get home and watch the prime-time games, then the Thursday night games, you’re watching.”

A massive national television audience will be watching Simmons, a rarity throughout his eight-year NFL career.

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