UFL Standout Signs with NFL Club

Published on November 1, 2011 under United Football League (UFL 1) News Release

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Tuesday, November 1, 2011 - Virginia Destroyers tight end JAMARKO SIMMONS has signed to the New York Jets practice squad, capping a successful season with Coach MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER'S 2011 United Football League champions.

Simmons adds his name to the list of almost 100 players who have furthered their careers by signing to either the active roster of practice squad of NFL clubs during the three United Football League seasons.

A wide receiver when he played at Western Michigan, Simmons led the Destroyers' predominantly rushing-based game with two receiving touchdowns and had 8 catches for 104 yards during four games. He also caught one pass for 14 yards in the 17-3 2011 UFL Championship Game win over the Las Vegas Locos.

"The tight ends coach and offensive coordinator liked my film, so they flew me out for a workout and I did pretty well for myself," said Simmons. "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.

"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."

Simmons won his second championship of 2011 with the Destroyers having also triumphed in ArenaBowl XXIV as a member of the Jacksonville Sharks.

UFL Vice President of Football Operations BRENDAN ROWE said: "In addition to providing high-quality football for our fans, the UFL continues to serve as a means for players to further their careers, which is one of the elements that appeals to a player when he signs with our teams.

"We anticipate more players who impressed during the 2011 UFL season will sign with NFL clubs as they seek game-ready UFL players to replenish their rosters in the coming weeks."

United Football League Stories from November 1, 2011

• UFL Standout Signs with NFL Club - UFL 1

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