Dan Simmons, who spent more than four decades like New Orleans Saints Equipment Manager, died Friday, the team confirmed. He was 78.
Simmons was in St. Louis, his hometown, at the time of his passing.
Simmons, lovingly called “Chief,” was a beloved member of the organization and monitored the team’s equipment procedures for 42 years. He retired in 2014. Simmons also spent a decade like Saints Alumni and Legends Coordinator.
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(Stephen Lew -usa Today Sports)
After his retirement, Simmons became the longest rented employee in Saints History.
Super Bowl -Master Matt Stevens Death at 51, says the family
“Our thoughts are with the Elaine and the Simmons family as we have suffered a significant loss with Dan.
“Dan was a proud New Orleans Saint and affected the lives of thousands of players, coaches and employees throughout his tenure, giving significant contributions to this franchise. He will be very missed.”
Simmons served in the Navy and was a Vietnam veteran.
(Jeff Hanisch-Preferred Pictures)
Former Saints Quarterback Archie Manning described Simmons as “the very best”
“Dan was the best, just the very best,” Manning said in a statement obtained by Times-Picayune. “He was so kind and sweet and humble. He just did his job and never sought attention. If everyone with the saints had done their jobs as well as Chief did when I played, we would have won the Super Bowls.”
Caesars Superdome (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Simmons was ready for a combined 858 Saints forecast, regular season and autumn games during his time as the team’s head equipment.
He also had the position during the 2009 season when New Orleans defeated the Indianapolis Colts to win the first Super Bowl title in the franchise story.
Simmons is survived by his wife, Elaine, their three children and four grandchildren.
