Corey Simon

Corey Jermaine Simon (born March 2, 1977 in Boynton Beach, Florida) is a former American football defensive tackle of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles sixth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played for the Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans in his career before retiring during the 2007 season.

Simon was selected to one Pro Bowl in his career, in 2003.

High school career

Corey Simon attended Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Florida. As a senior, he was the Miami Herald's defensive player of the year, named to the All-USA squad by USA Today, and a Super Prep Dream Team selection.

College career

From 1996 through 1999 Simon played college football for the Florida State Seminoles where he was considered to be the most dominating defensive lineman in college football. In his senior season, Simon was a Consensus All-American and All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team selection and was a Finalist for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy. He ended his career at FSU by helping his team win a national championship. His 44 tackles behind the line of scrimmage tied the school career-record first set by Ron Simmons.

NFL career

From 2000 until 2005, Simon was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, starting in four NFC Championship games during his tenure with the team. Unfortunately, Philadelphia only reached the Super Bowl once during these years, losing Super Bowl XXXIX to the New England Patriots, 24-21. After the 2004 season, the Eagles placed the franchise tag on Simon, which he refused to sign. After contract negotiations failed to produce a long-term deal, the Eagles lifted the franchise tag, making Simon an unrestricted free agent. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts, for whom he played the entire 2005 season. In 2006, Corey underwent surgery, was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform / Non-Football Injury list during training camp, and did not play in any games. He did not attend Super Bowl XLI with other inactive players, and was not invited to the Super Bowl ring ceremony in June 2007.

On August 1, 2007, Colts owner Jim Irsay stated that Corey's release from the team was imminent once a settlement could be reached. The team announced Simon's termination on Saturday, August 4, 2007.

On August 28, 2007, the Tennessee Titans signed Simon

Retirement

On October 25, 2007, Corey Simon announced that he was retiring from Pro Football after eight seasons in the NFL because of polyarthritis.

External links

• Official Website of Corey Simon