Ex-NFL receiver Simmons signs deal with Slaughter

Tony Simmons, a Chicago native who spent four seasons in the National Football League as a wide receiver, has signed a deal to come home and play for the Chicago Slaughter.

"We are pleased with adding Tony to our roster," said Slaughter general manager Alan Perkins. "His experience and on-field accomplishments will help us become an offensive juggernaut this season."

Before coming to the Continental Indoor Football League, Simmons played in the NFL from 1998 through 2002 after beings selected 52nd overall in the second round of the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. The former Wisconsin Badger caught 23 passes in his NFL rookie season for 474 yards and 3 touchdowns (20.6 yards per catch average). In three seasons with the Patriots, Simmons played in 38 games, with 56 receptions for 983 yards and 6 TDs.

He was also a member of the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns in 2001 and completed his NFL career with the New York Giants in 2002.

More recently, Simmons, a graduate of St. Rita High School, played in the Canadian Football League with the British Columbia Lions from 2005 through 2007 but was injured for parts of each season.