New York Jets sign former WMU football star Jamarko Simmons to their practice squad

By Graham Couch | Kalamazoo Gazette The Kalamazoo Gazette

Jonathon Gruenke / Kalamazoo Gazette Jamarko Simmons caught 260 passes in his career at Western Michigan. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound receiver-turned-tight end signed with the New York Jets practice squad Tuesday.

For years, those who coached and covered and followed Jamarko Simmons’ football career at Western Michigan University have been bewildered by the NFL’s lack of interest in Broncos’ all-time receptions leader.

Apparently the NFL’s rejection wasn’t final. Another team was intrigued by the 6-foot-2, 240-pound wideout-turned-tight end.

The New York Jets signed Simmons to their practice squad Tuesday, following a tryout earlier in the day.

“The tight ends coach and offensive coordinator liked my film,” Simmons said Wednesday night. “So they flew me out for a workout and I did pretty well for myself. I went in the meeting room, went over some plays, they wanted to see if I could get the concepts down. They came away really impressed with all I had to offer and they signed me to the practice squad for right now. But, you know, anything can happen.”

Simmons, 25, spent the last two months with the UFL’s Virginia Destroyers, which won league’s title Friday night. Simmons began reclaiming his football career this summer, playing for the Arena Football League champion Jacksonville Sharks .

“It’s hard work, man, that’s all I can say,” Simmons said. “Starting from the bottom in the AFL, working my way up to get a shot at the UFL, getting a shot in the NFL. All I can say is it’s a testament to hard work.”

This is Simmons’ third chance at an NFL life. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2009 after catching 104 passes as a senior at WMU. A back injury derailed that opportunity and, a year later, a broken toe cut short a tryout with the New Orleans Saints.

This will be Simmons’ first NFL paycheck. Practice squad players earn a minimum of $5,700 per week. They can be signed to the active roster at any time.

The Jets are in the middle of their bye week. Simmons reports back to their New Jersey headquarters next Monday.

“I was definitely excited,” Simmons said of being offered a practice squad contract. “But I still feel the chip on my shoulder. Because I still haven’t made it. I still haven’t arrived by any means. Just another shot to try to get to the dream, being a Jet, being able to take care of my family.

“But I was definitely excited to get the opportunity. Not too many times do you get these opportunities.”

Source: http://www.mlive.com