Justin Simmons, known as a Christian and Denver Broncos’ safety, was recently reported funding new advocacy related to anti-bullying. A program called ‘Speak Life: The Musical,’ first headed by Dan and Rebecca Burd of Florida, aims to spread the organization’s anti-bullying message to schools across the country.
‘Speak Life: The Musical’
As first reported via Undefeated, Simmons, the currently highest-paid safety player in NFL, recently announced partnering with the theatre community, Speak Life. Started as a touring program in schools, Dan and Rebecca talked in 2020 with Simmons to explain what they do in the program.
Simmons and his family attend the same church with the Burds. The Speak Life founders reportedly proposed plans to Simmons wherein he agreed to fund the entire musical to be transformed into a movie.
Rebecca narrated that when they sat down with the Simmons, it was the time when she knew they “met that person” who will help them with their advocacy.
As said, the story of ‘Speak Life: The Musical’ follows the lives of high school students experiencing bullying at school. The school’s janitor will act as their “fairy godfather” in the script. The movie will add five new original songs compared to the musical version.
This year, Speak Life aims to have the said movie screened in several schools. Their goal also includes reaching one million students in no less than 1,000 schools.
Simmons as Big Fan of Musical Theatre
In his interview, Simmons expressed his joy when the Burds presented their proposal to him and his wife. He noted that, other than being bullied before, musical theatre has always been an inspiration for him.
Simmons explained that Speak Life’s advocacy to make awareness about bullying in schools would help students’ self-worth. The musical would also allow children to talk about mental health and other important topics that schools must tackle, as well.
“I think it’s so powerful for kids to be able to see this film and see this message because a lot of the time, you think you’re the only one going through something,” he said.
Based on its official Facebook page, Speak Life comprises of “community of artists, committed to using the power of the stage to lend our voices to those who suffer in silence.”
Simmons as Christian
In the 2019 report of Sports Spectrum, the Denver Broncos safety expressed how he thanked God for his amazing journey in the NFL. Before Simmons’ had his big year, he first showed how being Christian made him place his trust with the Lord.
He noted that whatever happens to his career, he will be “settled and comforted in the Lord’s plan.” As mentioned in the report, Simmons came from a Christian home.
The NFL player also said that Christ saved him from himself, although he did not detail further. He noted that sharing his life story with other people has been pleasant for him and that people must understand that no one knows “where people are with their walks and their faith.”
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