FSU Retro Look Back: Ron Simmons

Younger fans may know Ron Simmons from his professional wrestling days . However, before that time, Ron Simmons was one of the first impact players for Bobby Bowden.

When he signed out of Warner Robins High School in Georgia, he was one of Florida State's greatest recruiting victories. Midway through his freshman season, Coach Bowden said, "Simmons is turning the program around."

In 1977 he was the difference in his first game at FSU. Following the 1977 game against North Texas State he was the national lineman of the week. Simmons made his jersey number 50 famous. He was ABC-TV player of the game four times and Football News freshman defensive lineman of the year.

In 1979 and 1980 Simmons was consensus All-American and in 1980 a Lombardi Award finalist and captain of the Seminoles. This powerful middle nose guard/linebacker led FSU to the top of the polls, into two Orange Bowls and a Tangerine Bowl and to four consecutive victories over Florida.

In 1986 Simmons was inducted into the FSU Football Hall of Fame. In 1988, Simmons's jersey (number 50) was retired by Florida State University, the first time a number had been retired in FSU history. In addition, Simmons was inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame for his accomplishments while playing at Florida State University