Simmons worked 42 years for Saints as head equipment manager and alumni/legends coordinator

New Orleans Saints

Below is a statement from New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson and the Saints Organization following the passing of Dan Simmons today at the age of 78. Simmons served as the team's head equipment manager from 1973-2014:

"Our thoughts are with Elaine and the Simmons family as we have suffered a significant loss with the passing of Dan. He played an integral role in the daily operations of the equipment room and locker room. Dan was a proud New Orleans Saint and touched the lives of thousands of players, coaches and staff members throughout his tenure, making significant contributions to this franchise. He will be greatly missed."

Simmons, a native of St. Louis, Missouri and a Vietnam veteran who served in the United States Navy for four years, served as the team's head equipment manager for 32 seasons. For the past ten years following his retirement as head equipment manager, he served as an alumni/legends coordinator for the club, using his extensive contacts to continue to be a valued resource to the organization.

Simmons, affectionately known as "Chief" to all who came in contact with him, worked a total of 858 Saints preseason, regular season and postseason games during his tenure as head equipment manager. He proudly served the equipment needs for ten of the franchise's playoff teams and celebrated the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV Championship. He handled the equipment needs for thousands of players during the tenures of 14 of the franchise's head coaches.

Simmons' dedication to the Saints was nationally recognized. In 2022, he was recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame with an "Award of Excellence", recognizing significant contributors to the game. At the 2015 National Football League Equipment Managers Meetings in Houston, Simmons was honored with a lifetime achievement award by his colleagues from all 32 clubs. In 2010, he was elected into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, along with former Assistant Equipment Manager Silky Powell, as that year's Joe Gemelli "Fleur-De-Lis" Award winners. Following the 1994 and 2005 seasons, Simmons and his staff were selected in a vote by their peers for the Whitey Zimmerman Memorial award, annually given to the NFL equipment staff that exceeds the usual demands to the position.

Simmons is survived by his wife, Elaine, their three children - Amy, Tracy and Tony - and four grandchildren.