7 Days to Camp
Wayne Simmons is dead?Chris Havel's column on the '96 defense mentioned that little nugget. It was something I didn't know.
I really loved the way Wayne Simmons set a nasty tone for the defense.
Legend has it that prior to the '96 Super Bowl, Holmgren was holding a team meeting down in New Orleans. He was trying to impress upon the Packers that New England was really a tough team that should not be taken lightly.
In the middle of Holmgren's attempt to sing the praises of the Pats, Simmons disagreed, standing up and bellowing "We're gonna f*cking kick their ass!!!!"
During the pre-game introductions, while all other players ran through the tunnel when introduced, slapping hands and cheering, Simmons walked. Slowly. Turning his head slightly from side-to-side as if he was about twist someone's neck until their head came off in his hands.
He set the tone, ...something that's been missing from Packer defenses ever since.
He died in a car accident in 2002.
Ten years ago they were top athletes in this country's biggest game, champions of the world, and at their physical peak.
Now, two are already dead.
Incidentally, Simmons was traded to KC in October of 97, just two months into their season as defending Super Bowl champs for a 5th round draft choice. With that pick they chose Corey Bradford.
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