Mark Simoneau

Mark Lee Simoneau (born January 16, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats, earning consensus All-American honors in 1999. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2000 NFL draft, and played for the Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL.

Early life Simoneau was born in Phillipsburg, Kansas. He played high school football at Smith Center High School in Smith Center, Kansas. He was a top 11 all-state (all classifications) selection at running back and linebacker for the Smith Center Redmen. He was also the 1995 Class 3A state shot put champion, and a former record holder, throwing over 60 feet as a senior.

College career Simoneau attended Kansas State University, where he played for the Kansas State Wildcats football team from 1996 to 1999. He was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American and the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year after the 1999 season. He registered 400 tackles during his college career at Kansas State.

Simoneau was honored for his college career with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in December 2012. He became only the second Kansas State player so recognized, the first being another former Wildcat linebacker, Gary Spani.

Professional career

Atlanta Falcons Simoneau was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2000 NFL draft with the 67th overall pick.

Philadelphia Eagles Simoneau was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2003, and signed a five-year contract with the team. Simoneau was acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles prior to the 2003 season, and led the team in tackles that year. During the 2005 season, Simoneau kicked a PAT for his first NFL points. The last defensive player to kick an extra point had been Ted Thompson of the Houston Oilers on November 23, 1980.

New Orleans Saints On August 28, 2006, Simoneau was traded to the New Orleans Saints along with a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft for Donté Stallworth.

He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 16, 2009, with a torn triceps muscle. He was released on March 4, 2010.

Kansas City Chiefs Simoneau was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs on October 27, 2010. He was placed on injured reserve on November 17, and announced his retirement from the NFL on November 18.

NFL statistics Year Team Games Combined tackles Tackles Assisted tackles Sacks Forced rumbles Fumble recoveries 2000 ATL 14 46 35 11 0.5 0 0 2001 ATL 16 38 31 7 0.0 2 1 2002 ATL 15 16 13 3 0.0 1 1 2003 PHI 16 100 78 22 2.0 3 0 2004 PHI 14 48 33 15 1.5 1 1 2005 PHI 16 36 27 9 0.0 1 0 2006 NO 16 61 33 28 1.0 0 0 2007 NO 16 70 50 20 2.0 0 0 2010 KC 1 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 Career 124 416 301 115 7.0 8 3