FORCE OF NATURE

This helmet belonged to defensive lineman Ron Simmons, whose dominance on the field in the late 1970s helped put FSU football on the national map. Simmons was a two-time consensus All-American (1979 and 1980) and the emotional anchor of a defense that powered the Seminoles to back-to-back Orange Bowl appearances. In 1979, he recorded a staggering 81 tackles and five sacks as a nose guard. He finished his career with 483 total tackles, including 25 for loss and 17 sacks, despite facing constant double and triple teams. “He was a force of nature,” said coach Bobby Bowden. “I’d stack him up against anybody who ever played.” Simmons’ impact stretched far beyond stats — he was the soul of a Seminole squad that proved FSU could compete with anyone.