April 29 (UPI) -- Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, who spent eight of his nine seasons with the Denver Broncos, will retire from the NFL, he announced Wednesday.

Simmons, 32, was a third-round pick by the Broncos in the 2016 NFL Draft. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2023. Simmons spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Broncos plan to honor Simmons at a game this fall at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

"Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team," Simmons said in a video posted by the Broncos. "It was my heart, my home and my story. I just want to be remember as someone that gave his all, tried his best.

Simmons was a four-time second-team All-Pro and three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

"Being a three-time [Broncos] Man of the Year, I'll always say was my biggest honor," Simmons said. "There has been a passing down, throughout the years, of amazing people coming through this building. It was an honor to be a part of that for eight years and help lead in areas, specifically off the field too, where we are making real change in the communities we also are a part of.

The Broncos owned the No. 4 defense in the NFL in Simmons' first season. They were the third-best unit in 2017. The Broncos ranked inside the Top 10 defensively four in four of Simmons' eight seasons with the AFC West franchise.

Simmons was a three-time captain for the Broncos, who signed him to a four-year, $61 million contract extension in 2021.

The nine-year NFL veteran totaled 666 combined tackles, 71 passes defensed, 32 interceptions, 21 tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 4.5 sacks and an interception for a touchdown over 134 career appearances. His 30 career interceptions with the Broncos are tied with Dennis Smith for the seventh-most in franchise history, two behind Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey.