The allure of playing in the NFL keeps promising young athletes motivated, but for most, reaching that level of competition becomes a dream deferred. For Mississippi native and Alcorn State wide receiver Michael Simmons, it was a birth right to become a football player and a blessing from god to have the talent to do so. His father Alan Simmons was an All-American Tight End at Alcorn State University. Along with his father, Michael’s uncle was a football player and his two cousins also played for Alcorn State. Football truly runs through Michael’s veins.
When Michael was younger, his mother held him back from playing full-contact football, forcing him to play flag because he was undersized and she wanted him to avoid injury. Not playing tackle motivated him and made him hungrier for the game. At Callaway High School (Jackson, MS), Michael was the quarterback for Head Coach Gary Anderson. Michael’s talent as a quarterback came mostly from his ability to run the ball. Three games into his junior season, Michael was switched to wide receiver to better suit the offense after the arrival of a talented quarterback and friend.
Big name colleges took a strong interest in Michael’s ability to play wide receiver; however, his grades would create a roadblock that kept him from signing with a major university. In 2005, Michael redshirted at Hinds Community College (Mississippi) and would not have a chance to see the field. Then in 2006, times became even more troubling during a trying period in his life - Michael took a year off from school and wasn’t able to train for football. In 2007, things began looking up, and Michael played at Northeast Mississippi Community College. After his season at Northeast, Michael committed to play at Hawaii. 
Unfortunately, the good news would be short-lived. Hawaii Head Coach June Jones decided to take the open job at SMU and announced his resignation after 9 seasons in Honolulu and fresh off a BCS Sugar Bowl Appearance in 2008. No shorter than 20 minutes before Jones announced that he would be leaving the program, Michael received a call from the Ernest Jones, who was the Head Coach at Alcorn State University. Michael felt as if it were a blessing from God, and with the coach he invested his confidence in at Hawaii now leaving, he transferred to Alcorn on a full- scholarship.
Michael is currently heading into his senior season and his hopes to reach the next level are stronger than ever.
Dominic Johnson of the Denver Broncos, who is a friend of Michael’s and also a Mississippi collegiate athlete, gave Michael the number for Hall-of-Famer Darrell Green. Ever since, Green has been a mentor to Michael and a source of inspiration for the talented wide receiver. “Darrel has helped me out a lot with preparing me mentally and physically for the season and I trust him the same way I trust my dad,” said Michael.
Through the mentorship of Darrel Green, Michael’s off-season training has become more strenuous than ever! A strong emphasis has been placed on explosiveness through plyometrics, cone drills, ladders, and routes. To build his stamina, running hills has been at the forefront of his daily workout routine.
Michael has found positive influence from all those around him to keep doing what he loves. Coach Ernest Jones told him, “If God wants you to make the NFL and that is the path that he wants you to take, then it does not matter what team you play for, just play your game and they will find you.” Michael gives his glory to God, “Thank God that I am still able to play football. I truly feel blessed!” Michael is an inspiration for athletes of all ages. He continues to work hard and surround himself with the right people.
Michael is currently training to prepare for the start of training camp on August 5. His first game of the season is against Southern Mississippi on September 5.
On behalf of Access Athletes, we would like to thank Michael Simmons for taking time out of his busy schedule to do an interview with The Real Athlete Blog.
