Ron Simmons

Bio

One of Florida State's most terrifying tacklers, Ron Simmons was twice named a consensus first-team All-America en route to leading the Seminoles to three bowl berths. Simmons led the Seminoles to a 39-8-0 record during his career. He took the Seminoles to back-to-back Orange Bowl games, the first time the school gained the major New Years Day bowl bid. Those teams in 1979 and 1980 were also the first Florida State teams to finish the season as top-ten teams. One of the most prolific defensive players in school history, Simmons set school records for career tackles for a loss (44) and forced fumbles (17). Simmons was the first Florida State defender to have his jersey number (50) retired by the university. The 235-pound nose guard played two seasons in the United States Football League before becoming a fixture in the professional wrestling world for more than 20 years. As part of "Doom," he and partner Butch Reed became the first WCW World Tag Team titleholders. He later became the first-ever African American WCW World Heavyweight Champion.

Career Highlights

• 1980 Consensus All-America
• 1979 Consensus All-America
• 1979 Heisman - Ninth