Former Lion DE Shane Simmons to keep playing, will enter transfer portal

Defensive end Shane Simmons announced Dec. 21 that he was done with football, but he has changed his mind and announced today he will continue playing and will enter the transfer portal.

Here’s what Simmons posted on Twitter:

“I loved my time at Penn State and being a Nittany Lion. I thought that I was finished football and ready for the business world, but over the past few months I’ve done a lot of soul searching and realized that my love and passion for football is still there and my ultimate dream is still to play in the NFL. As much as I loved my time at Penn State, I’ve decided that I need to start this next chapter of my football life with a clean slate and have put my name in the transfer portal. I’m a proud Penn State alum and Letterman and Penn State will always be a part of who I am.”

Simmons should draw a good bit of interest in the transfer portal, given he’s an older player who proved he can contribute on a Big Ten defense.

Excited for the opportunities. pic.twitter.com/Z8WSAr2fTJ

— Shane Simmons (@Shizzeee_) April 19, 2021

From our story when Simmons announced he was done with football:

Simmons was a 4-star recruit in 2016 and spent five years with the PSU program. He wasn’t able to develop into a college star, but he was an important part of the program. He had a career day against Michigan State on senior day as he started and had seven tackles and 1.5 sacks.

This was his message to PSU fans when he made his initial decision to stop playing football:

“My time at Penn State has been nothing short of amazing. I met my brothers for life. I received a world-class education. I’ve learned from the best coaches and mentors anyone could ever ask for. I’ve also discovered my true passion in life, and I’ve realized that is in business.”

It’s been an amazing ride and I’m so glad that I got to do it “My Way.” #WeAre Penn State for life!!

All love, Shane pic.twitter.com/VMKTrBb6S5

— Shane Simmons (@Shizzeee_) December 21, 2020

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