Inspiration And Expert Advice: Famous People
Kendall Simmons – starting right guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers
DOB: 1979
Diabetes type: 2
Born Henry Alexander Kendall Simmons on March 11, 1979 in Ripley, Mississippi, Simmons was the three-year starter at Ripley High School in Mississippi. He was All-State and PrepStar All-American and as a senior defensive lineman, he recorded 70 tackles and four sacks, forced five fumbles and returned one for a touchdown. He was the District Defensive Most Valuable Player and helped lead Ripley to an 11-2 record in his senior year. In addition to his stellar football record, Simmons also played baseball and basketball.
Afterward, Simmons majored in Visual Communication / Graphic Arts at Auburn University where he was selected as a first team All-American by the NFL Draft Report. He was on the watch list for both the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given annually to the best blocker in the SEC ranks, and the Pat Dye Leadership Award.
In 2002, as a rookie for the Pittsburg Steelers, Simmons became the recipient of the 2002 Joe Greene Great Performance Award. It was at this time that he was diagnosed with hyperglycemia. He lost 45 pounds and significant strength right before training camp in 2003 and was hampered through the early part of the regular season. Nevertheless, Simmons made solid progress through the preseason in 2003 and earned the starting right guard spot. He started in all 16 games and has started in 20 consecutive contests.
Simmons is married with two daughters.
