Despite a tough season in the win-loss column, the Tennessee Titans will still be sending two of their brightest stars to the 2026 Pro Bowl - a reminder that individual excellence can shine even when the team as a whole struggles.
The Titans wrapped up the 2025 campaign with a 3-14 record, a season that tested the team’s depth and resolve. But amid the adversity, two players stood out enough to earn recognition on the league’s biggest all-star stage: defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and return specialist Chimere Dike.
Jeffery Simmons: Dominant in the Trenches
Let’s start with Simmons, who continues to cement his place among the NFL’s elite interior defenders. The 28-year-old was named a first-team All-Pro in 2025, and his numbers back up the honor.
He racked up 11 sacks - good for ninth in the league - and added 17 tackles for loss, ranking sixth in that category. Simmons also forced three fumbles, tying him for eighth overall.
What makes Simmons so effective isn’t just the stat sheet - it’s how he gets there. He’s got one of the quickest first steps among defensive tackles, regularly blowing up plays before they even get started.
Whether it’s collapsing the pocket or stuffing the run, Simmons has become a nightmare matchup for opposing offensive lines. This Pro Bowl nod marks his fourth trip to the event, and it’s well-earned.
Chimere Dike: Special Teams Spark Plug
Then there’s Chimere Dike - the rookie return man who made a name for himself in a hurry. The Wisconsin, Florida product didn’t just hold his own in his first NFL season; he led the league in punt return touchdowns with two and averaged a blistering 17.3 yards per return. That kind of production isn’t just flashy - it’s game-changing.
Dike’s vision, burst, and fearlessness made him a constant threat every time he touched the ball on special teams. His impact didn’t go unnoticed - he was also named a first-team All-Pro, a rare feat for a rookie returner. This will be his first Pro Bowl appearance, but if his debut season is any indication, it won’t be his last.
A Silver Lining for the Titans
While the Titans have plenty to figure out heading into the offseason, Simmons and Dike offer a glimpse of the talent that still resides in Nashville. Simmons remains the anchor of the defense, and Dike has quickly emerged as a special teams weapon with star potential.
The Pro Bowl may not erase the sting of a 3-14 season, but it does serve as a reminder: even in a rebuilding year, there are building blocks worth celebrating.