Jeffery Simmons, the star defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans, is known for his incredible strength on the field and his big heart off it.
He combines rare power with quickness, earning him spots in the Pro Bowl three times and recognition as a two-time Second-Team All-Pro.
As a four-time team captain, he leads his teammates with grit and determination.
Over his career, he has racked up impressive stats, including numerous sacks, tackles, and quarterback pressures that have made him a key player for the Titans.
Beyond football, Simmons gives back through his “Give Em A Reason” foundation, which supports communities in meaningful ways.
He also launched the “Sacks for Sports Equity” initiative, pledging $980 per sack to help Nashville students access better sports opportunities.
But recently, Simmons has found himself in the headlines for a different reason: a child support lawsuit involving his six-year-old son, Jeffery Jr.
The lawsuit centers on allegations that Simmons has not fully met his obligations for his son’s medical needs.
The boy has Joubert Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition can cause problems with muscle control, breathing, and other serious issues.
As a result, the child requires special care, including medical devices and therapies to help him communicate and move around.
The case was filed on March 7, 2025, in Leake County Chancery Court in Mississippi, Simmons’ home state.
It summons him to appear in Madison County Chancery Court on May 20, 2025, in Canton, Mississippi.
The plaintiff is Charsala Steve, the mother and primary caregiver of their son.
She filed a motion for contempt, claiming Simmons failed to provide enough medical support as outlined in their previous agreement. Steve is seeking an emergency hearing to address these issues quickly.
Back in October 2020, Simmons and Steve reached an agreement on custody and support, which took effect on November 1, 2020.
Under that deal, they share joint legal custody, but Steve has physical custody because Simmons lives out of state for his NFL career.
As the full-time caregiver, Steve cannot work a regular job due to the child’s extensive needs.
Simmons agreed to pay $6,000 per month in child support, provide health insurance, and cover all medical bills, devices, and treatments.
The current lawsuit points to specific failures.
Steve alleges that Simmons did not pay for a needed speech communication device recommended by the child’s school and speech pathologist.
She first requested it on August 5, 2022, and followed up with correspondence on August 15, 2022, but claims he never complied.
In a letter dated January 23, 2025, from Steve’s attorney, Keith Gates, to Simmons’ lawyer, Lee Ann S. Turner, Gates stressed the importance of Simmons fulfilling his duties.
The letter reminded him that the support order requires full financial coverage for the child’s medical care, which is vital for his well-being and growth.
On top of the communication device, Steve is now asking for help with a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. She says it’s essential for transporting the child to school and medical appointments.
Right now, she has to load his wheelchair into the back seat of her current car, which is difficult and unsafe.
The lawsuit argues that these unmet needs have created big challenges for the child’s care.
Reports indicate that Simmons has already paid over $300,000 in child support since the agreement began, not counting the medical expenses he has covered.
Still, the motion claims he has fallen short on some key items. If Simmons does not appear in court on May 20, 2025, he risks a default judgment against him.
At 27 years old, Simmons is in his prime. He was the Titans’ first-round pick in 2019 out of Mississippi State University.
Now in the second year of a four-year, $94 million contract extension signed in 2023, he continues to be a force on the defense. His leadership and performance have helped the team in tough games, and fans admire his work ethic.
This child support dispute highlights the personal challenges even star athletes face.
While details from the May hearing are not yet available as of December 2025, the case underscores the ongoing needs of children with special conditions.
Simmons has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, but his track record of community involvement suggests he values family and support.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the best care for Jeffery Jr. as the legal process unfolds.
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