FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Deon Simon is motivated by his painful past.
The darkest moments came when Simon, a Jets defensive tackle, was dealing with a severe knee injury and academic issues as a high school senior, leaving his future on and off the field uncertain.
“It was a hard time,” Simon said after a recent practice. “I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen at the next step, the next level. It’s been tough, but I stuck with it.
“I put it upon myself that I won’t be denied.”
Today, the 27-year-old Simon is a promising backup on the Jets’ defense and a college graduate who has aspirations of becoming a United States Marshal when his playing days are over.