Simmons attended Stephen F. Austin High School, where he played as a fullback.
He accepted a football scholarship from Georgia Tech where he played at center and linebacker.
On August 15, 1968, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fourth round draft choice (#102-Bob Hudspeth).
[3] In 1968, after trading the main backup at linebacker Harold Hays, the Dallas Cowboys acquired Simmons and Jackie Burkett for depth purposes.
He helped to establish King's Arrow Ranch for children in Lumberton, Mississippi.