Honestly, if you weren't sitting in Doak Campbell Stadium in the late '70s, it's hard to describe the sheer physical terror Ron Simmons used to inflict on opposing backfields. Most modern fans know him as the guy who says "DAMN!" on WWE TV or maybe as the first Black WCW World Heavyweight Champion. But before the squared circle, Ron Simmons was the undisputed god of the Florida State defensive line.
He wasn't just good. He was the foundational stone that Bobby Bowden used to build a dynasty.
You've got to understand the context of Florida State football back then. Before Simmons arrived in 1977, FSU wasn't the "Noles" we know today. They were a program trying to find their footing on a national stage. When Simmons signed out of Warner Robins, Georgia, it wasn't just a recruiting win; it was a statement. He chose Tallahassee over every powerhouse in the country.
The Freshman Who Changed Everything
Simmons didn't wait around to make an impact.
As a freshman in 1977, he turned in one of the most absurd seasons a defensive tackle has ever had in the history of the sport. We’re talking 128 tackles. From a nose guard! He added 13 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 17 forced fumbles over his career, but that first year was just pure, unadulterated dominance. He was basically a human wrecking ball that lived in the opponent's backfield.
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He earned Freshman Lineman of the Year honors and immediately put the rest of the country on notice that Florida State wasn't going to be a "gimme" game anymore.
Why Ron Simmons Florida State Legacy is Untouchable
If you look at the record books, you'll see the name Ron Simmons everywhere, even decades later. He was the first Florida State defender to ever have his jersey—number 50—retired by the university. That happened back in 1988, and it’s a short list of names up there in the rafters.
But it’s the "firsts" that really define him:
- Two-time Consensus All-American: He pulled this off in 1979 and 1980.
- Heisman Hopeful: In 1979, as a defensive lineman, he finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting. That sort of thing just doesn't happen for guys playing in the trenches.
- The Blueprint: Bobby Bowden once said that Simmons, along with Deion Sanders and Charlie Ward, was one of the three most important recruits he ever signed.
Simmons led the Seminoles to a 39-8 record during his four years. Think about that. He took them to back-to-back Orange Bowls. Before him, FSU had never even been to a major New Year’s Day bowl. He didn't just play for a top-ten team; he made Florida State a top-ten team for the first time ever.
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The Stats That Still Hold Up
While modern schemes and longer seasons make old records vulnerable, Simmons' numbers are still staggering. He finished his career with 383 total tackles. For a nose guard, that is statistically offensive. He also set school records for career tackles for loss (44) and forced fumbles (17).
He was 235 pounds of pure muscle and bad intentions. If you watch old grainy footage of him from the 1980 Orange Bowl against Oklahoma, you see a guy who was just faster and more explosive than anyone else on the line.
The Pivot to the Squared Circle
It’s kinda wild to think that his NFL career didn't quite mirror his college dominance. He was a sixth-round pick for the Cleveland Browns in 1981 but only stayed for a season. He bounced to the USFL, playing for the Tampa Bay Bandits under Steve Spurrier, which is a fun bit of trivia.
But football's loss was wrestling's gain.
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He eventually transitioned into professional wrestling, where he became Farooq and a Hall of Famer. But even when he was winning world titles in WCW or leading the Nation of Domination in WWE, he always carried that "Florida State Tough" reputation. He wasn't playing a powerhouse; he was a powerhouse.
The Hall of Fame Validation
In 2008, Simmons was officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. It felt like a "finally" moment for everyone in Tallahassee. He had already been in the FSU Hall of Fame since 1986, but the national recognition cemented what Noles fans already knew: Ron Simmons was the most terrifying defender of his era.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to truly appreciate the impact Ron Simmons had on the game, don't just look at the stat sheet. Stats are dry.
- Watch the Tape: Go to YouTube and search for 1979 Florida State highlights. Watch number 50. See how he demands a double team on every single snap and still manages to collapse the pocket.
- Visit the Sod Cemetery: If you're ever in Tallahassee, head over to the Moore Athletic Center. You’ll see the retired jersey and the history of the teams Simmons put on his back.
- Respect the "Nose Guard" Era: Understand that in the late 70s, the nose guard was the most physically demanding position on the field. Simmons redefined what that position could do in terms of pass rushing.
Ron Simmons didn't just play for Florida State. He built the foundation that the 1990s dynasty sat upon. Without number 50, the spear might never have become the icon it is today.
Practical Insight: When discussing the greatest defenders in ACC or FSU history, the conversation usually starts with Deion Sanders or Derrick Brooks. However, always remember that Ron Simmons was the one who proved Florida State could recruit at an elite level and win big games. He is the "Alpha" of the modern Seminole era.