By Darin Ron Simmons dominates the trenches with a legendary ferocity that transformed the Florida State defense into a national powerhouse. As a two-time consensus All-American, he anchored the Seminoles’ rise to prominence and established records that still challenge today’s elite athletes. From his top-ten Heisman finish to his historic career in professional wrestling, Simmons defines what it means to be a versatile and unstoppable force in the world of sports.
Football Bio
May 15, 1958 – Perry, Georgia – Ron Simmons, Florida State’s defensive tackle from 1977 to 1980, claimed his birth date.
According to Footballfoundation.org, Simmons was one of the Seminoles’ fiercest tacklers and was twice named a consensus First Team All-America, leading the team to three bowl berths. He set school records for 44 tackles for loss and 17 forced fumbles, and still ranks second all-time with 483 career tackles, holding a top-five spot in nearly every FSU defensive category.
Simmons finished ninth in the 1979 Heisman Trophy voting and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, where his collegiate records are celebrated. The D-lineman played two seasons in the USFL before becoming a star in professional wrestling for more than 20 years as part of the tag team duo “Doom.”
Conclusion
Ron Simmons leaves an indelible mark on the gridiron as the ultimate disruptive force in Florida State history. He consistently outworked opponents to secure 483 career tackles and a place among the greatest defensive players in college football. By transitioning his elite athleticism into a twenty-year wrestling career, he proves that his strength and charisma have no boundaries.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted as a celebrated defensive lineman.
- 2× Consensus First-Team All-America: Recognized for his elite performance in 1979 and 1980.
- Heisman Trophy Finalist: Finished ninth in the 1979 Heisman voting.
- FSU Career Tackle Record: Ranks second all-time in school history with 483 career tackles.
- FSU Tackles for Loss Record: Established a school mark with 44 career tackles for loss.
- FSU Forced Fumbles Record: Set a program record with 17 career forced fumbles.
- Three Bowl Berths: Led the Florida State Seminoles to three postseason appearances.
- USFL Veteran: Competed for two seasons in the United States Football League.
- Florida State Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1986.