"In what has been a difficult season for the Broncos on the field, Justin was the winner of this award by perhaps the largest voting margin since we first presented it in 2007," said ESPN Senior Writer Jeff Legwold. "He was cited, over and over again, for his unwavering professionalism both after wins or losses, as well as the willingness to offer opinions at every opportunity that were thoughtful and refreshingly candid.''

"I first just want to say thank you," Simmons said Friday. "I think I said it the last time — not last year, but the year before — I don't take this for granted. This is something that I hold near and dear to my heart. I think with all things being said, having a tough season is one thing and then having to report on it isn't always easy. [I'm] just trying to be there and answer questions to the best of my ability. Just doing that consistently and not even thinking in the back of my mind about anything in return for that. I just really appreciate the recognition from it. Obviously, what Darrent stood for and who he was as a person, this award is held in high regard in my eyes. I can't thank you guys enough for that."