Nashville musician Jelly Roll couldn’t contain his excitement when Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons surprised him with a signed jersey during a recent community event.
The Grammy-nominated artist’s pure joy reaction has been making rounds on social media, showcasing the genuine friendship between two of Nashville’s biggest stars.
How Did Jelly Roll React to Receiving Simmons’ Signed Jersey?
Simmons presented the signed jersey to Jelly Roll during his third annual Community Fun Day in Macon, Miss. The Nashville native’s reaction was immediate and heartfelt, stating:
“No way! You’re always great. You know I got a spot for it. Stop it. Man, stop it, baby. Nah, thank you, man. You don’t know what this means to me. Thank you. I promise you we’re going to put this on the first floor of honky-tonk, y’all.”
The moment perfectly captured the genuine friendship between the two Nashville figures. Jelly Roll has built a massive following with hits like “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor” while maintaining strong ties to his hometown sports teams. His promise to display the jersey on the first floor of his honky-tonk shows how much the gesture meant to him.
Why Do Jelly Roll and Simmons Continue Supporting Each Other?
The relationship between the musician and the three-time Pro Bowler extends far beyond this single moment. In December 2024, Jelly Roll publicly supported Simmons for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award through a social media post. During that endorsement, the artist revealed that the two-time All-Pro had reached out to him about supporting at-risk youth in Nashville.
Their friendship was on full display again two months later at the NFL Honors ceremony. Jelly Roll walked the red carpet alongside Simmons and told reporters he attended specifically to support the Titans star. The defensive tackle has been nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award twice in his career, recognizing his community service efforts both in Nashville and his hometown of Macon.
Simmons has organized his Community Fun Day for three consecutive years, focusing on youth development and education in underserved communities. The event typically features games, food, and educational activities for local children and families in his hometown of Macon, Miss.
How Has Simmons Performed for the Titans Recently?
Simmons was Tennessee’s lone Pro Bowler in the 2024 season after the team finished 3-14 in head coach Brian Callahan’s first year. The defensive tackle recorded 76 total tackles, 41 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, nine quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four passes defended. He has made the Pro Bowl in three of his six NFL seasons since Tennessee drafted him 19th overall in 2019.
The Titans used the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select former Miami quarterback Cam Ward after their disappointing season. Ward finished fourth in 2024 Heisman Trophy voting after throwing for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 67.2% of his passes. He also rushed for 204 yards and four touchdowns on 60 carries during his final college season.
Simmons signed a four-year, $94 million extension in 2022 and has anchored Tennessee’s defense throughout his career. His Community Fun Day represents one of several charitable initiatives he organizes throughout the year, continuing to strengthen his bond with both his hometown community and Nashville supporters like Jelly Roll.