NFL Saddened By Death Of Longtime Equipment Manager

03/30/2025 09:16 AM

The National Football League is saddened by the death of a longtime equipment manager this weekend.

Equipment managers play a vital role across the league. They are responsible for taking care of the locker room and making sure everyone has what they need to play. They'll go through hundreds of uniforms, thousands of rolls of tape and much more during a game week. It's a tough job - and one that often doesn't get a ton of praise - but it's a necessary one.

Unfortunately, a longtime NFL equipment manager passed away over the weekend, saddening his franchise.

The New Orleans Saints are mourning the loss of longtime equipment manager Dan Simmons.

Simmons had served as the New Orleans Saints equipment manager for 42 years. He passed away at the age of 78 years old this weekend.

The longtime NFL equipment manager is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife and their three children. He also had four grandchildren.

The Saints are deeply saddened by his passing.

"Our thoughts are with Elaine and the Simmons family as we have suffered a significant loss with the passing of Dan," Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. "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."

Our thoughts are with his friends and family members following this difficult loss.