Corey Simon

Corey Jermaine Simon (born March 2, 1977) is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons. He played college football for Florida State University (FSU), earned All-American honors, and was a member of a BCS National Championship team. The Philadelphia Eagles chose him with the sixth overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, and he played professionally for the Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans of the NFL. Simon was selected to the 2004 Pro Bowl.

Early years
Simon was born in Boynton Beach, Florida. He attended Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Florida, where he played for the Ely Mighty Tigers high school football team. As a senior, he was the Miami Herald's defensive player of the year, named to the All-USA squad by USA Today, and a Super Prep Dream Team selection.

College career
Simon accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Florida State University, where he played for coach Bobby Bowden's Florida State Seminoles football team from 1996 to 1999. He was considered to be the most dominating defensive lineman in college football. Following his senior season, Simon was n first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection, and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. He was also a finalist for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy. He ended his career at FSU by helping his team win a BCS National Championship. His 44 tackles behind the line of scrimmage tied the Seminoles' career record set by Ron Simmons.

Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the first round (sixth pick overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft, and he played for the Eagles from 2000 until 2005. He started in four NFC Championship games during his six seasons with the Eagles. Philadelphia reached the Super Bowl once during these years, losing Super Bowl XXXIX to the New England Patriots, 24-21. After the 2004 season, the Eagles placed the franchise tag on Simon, which he refused to sign. After contract negotiations failed to produce a long-term deal, the Eagles lifted the franchise tag, making Simon an unrestricted free agent.

Indianapolis Colts
Simon signed with the Indianapolis Colts, for whom he played the entire 2005 season. In 2006, Simon underwent surgery, was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform / Non-Football Injury list during training camp, and did not play in any games. He did not attend Super Bowl XLI with other inactive players, and was not invited to the Super Bowl ring ceremony in June 2007. On August 1, 2007, Colts owner Jim Irsay stated that Simon's release from the team was imminent once a settlement could be reached. The team announced Simon's termination on Saturday, August 4, 2007.

Tennessee Titans
On August 28, 2007, the Tennessee Titans signed Simon.

Retirement
On October 25, 2007, Corey Simon announced that he was retiring from Pro Football after eight seasons in the NFL because of polyarthritis.