Corey Jermaine Simon Sr. (born March 2, 1977) is an American politician and former professional football player. A member of the Republican Party, he has served as the Florida State Senator from the 3rd district since 2022. He is the first African American Republican State Senator from Florida since the Reconstruction Era.
Early Life
Simon was born in Pompano Beach, Florida. He attended Blanche Ely High School, where he played for the Ely Mighty Tigers football team. As a senior, he was named the Miami Herald's defensive player of the year, selected to the All-USA squad by USA Today, and named a Super Prep Dream Team selection.
College Career
Simon accepted an athletic scholarship to Florida State University, where he played for coach Bobby Bowden's Seminoles from 1996 to 1999. He was considered one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football. Following his senior season, he was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection and a consensus first-team All-American. He was also a finalist for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy. He helped lead the Seminoles to a BCS National Championship in 1999. His 44 tackles behind the line of scrimmage tied the Seminoles' career record set by Ron Simmons.
Professional Football Career
Simon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the sixth overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played as a defensive tackle for eight NFL seasons:
- Philadelphia Eagles (2000–2004): Started in four NFC Championship games and appeared in Super Bowl XXXIX. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2003 (the 2004 game). After the 2004 season, the Eagles placed the franchise tag on him, but after failed contract negotiations, he became an unrestricted free agent.
- Indianapolis Colts (2005–2006): Played the 2005 season. In 2006, he underwent surgery and was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Though he did not play, he received a Super Bowl ring when the Colts won Super Bowl XLI.
- Tennessee Titans (2007): Signed in August 2007 but retired in October of that year due to polyarthritis.
NFL Career Statistics: 95 games played, 246 total tackles, 32 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries.
Political Career
On June 13, 2022, Simon announced his candidacy for Florida's 3rd senatorial district as a Republican, challenging incumbent Democrat Loranne Ausley. He was recruited and backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, and Senator Ben Albritton. Simon campaigned on conservative issues, including support for the Fairness in Women's Sports Act and the Parental Rights in Education Act.
On November 8, 2022, Simon defeated Ausley with 52.98% of the vote. He was reelected in 2024, defeating Democrat Daryl Parks with 55.67% of the vote.
Committee Assignments
Simon serves as Chair of the Education Pre-K–12 committee and holds assignments on the Agriculture Appropriations, Education Appropriations, and Health and Human Services committees.
Personal Life
Simon married Natasha Givens in 2001. They have one son, Corey Jr. (born 2003). He resides in Tallahassee, Florida. Prior to his political career, he served as CEO of Volunteer Florida.
