Tony Simmons (gridiron football)

Tony De'Angelo Simmons, nicknamed Touchdown Tony (born December 8, 1974) is a retired American football and Canadian football player. He is currently offensive coordinator of Crusaders Cagliari, an American Football team based out of Cagliari, Italy. He played in the National Football League for the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants. He has also played for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.

High school
Simmons attended St. Rita High School on Chicago's south side. In 1993 he was named Chicago Sun-Times Prep Athlete of the Year for his participation in both football and track. He won the state championship in the 100 and 200 meter dash with a time of 10.5 seconds and 21.58 seconds as a senior, respectively. He shares a distinction with two other NFL players that have also attended both St. Rita and the University of Wisconsin–Madison: former high school and college teammate Ahmad Merritt, and former Chicago Bear Dennis Lick. Simmons and Merritt played against each other and caught touchdown passes in World Bowl IX. In April of 2011, Simmons was inducted into the St. Rita High School Hall of Fame.

College career
Simmons played college football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He left Wisconsin as the school's all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 23 (this record has since been broken by Lee Evans), earning him the nickname "Touchdown Tony" among the Camp Randall faithful. He also competed in track at Wisconsin. Simmons was drafted in the second round (52nd overall pick) of the 1998 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.

NFL Europe career
In 2001, Simmons starred at wide receiver for the regular-season champion Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europa. He finished the season with 32 catches for 538 yards and caught seven touchdowns.

NFL career
Simmons played five seasons as a pro, playing with the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Giants. Amassing 58 receptions for 998 yards, 6 TDs and averaged 20.8 yards per game. As a returner, 12 returns for 241 yards and averaged 20.1 yards per return.

Football in Denmark
In March of 2010, Simmons joined the Danish football team, the Triangle Razorbacks based out of Denmark. He served as the team's offensive coordinator, special teams coach and as wide receiver.

Football in Hungary
In January of 2011, Simmons joined the Hungarian football team, the Békéscsaba Raptors as Head Coach. He also served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, strength/speed coach and wide receiver.