Dan Simmons, who has spent more than four decades as equipment manager for Saint-Orleans, died on Friday, the team confirmed. He was 78 years old.
Simmons was in St. Louis, his hometown, at the time of his death.
Simmons, who was affectionately called “chef”, was a darling member of the organization and supervised team equipment procedures for 42 years. He retired in 2014. Simmons also spent a decade as a former student and coordinators of the saints.
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(Stephen Lew-USA today Sports)
To his retirement, Simmons has become the oldest employee in the history of the saints.
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“Our thoughts concern Elaine and the Simmons family because we have suffered a significant loss with the death of Dan. He played an essential role in the daily operations of the equipment room and the locker room,” said the press release.
“Dan was a proud Saint of New Orleans and touched the lives of thousands of players, coaches and staff members throughout his mandate, making important contributions to this franchise. We will miss a lot.”
Simmons served in the navy and was a veteran of Vietnam.
(Images Jeff Hanisch-Imagn)
The former quarter of the Saints Archie Manning described Simmons as “the best”
“Dan was the best, just the best,” said Manning in a statement obtained by the Times-Picayune. “He was so kind and sweet and humble. He just did his job and never asked attention. If everyone with the saints had done his job as well as the chef when I played, we would have won super bowls.”
Superdome Caesars (Photo / Tyler Kaufman)
Simmons was on site for a combined pre-season of 858 saints, a regular season and matches in the playoffs during his time as director of the team equipment.
He also held the position during the 2009 season when New Orleans beat the Indianapolis colts to win the first title of the Super Bowl in the history of the franchise.
Simmons is survived by his wife, Elaine, their three children and four grandchildren.
