Simon released after surgery

Simon, a seventh-round draft pick who was running third team at middle linebacker, suffered a sports hernia and underwent surgery Friday.

"I'm not done playing,'' said Simon, who bounced back from surgeries on both of his knees to star for the Vols last season. "I'll be negotiating to get back in Washington, hopefully, to rehabilitate from this injury and be on the practice squad. It will take me between eight and 12 weeks to get back where I can play.''

Simon said the injury was gradual, and it began to affect his abilities.

"I went through mini-camp and I was doing good, picking up the defense and making all the calls at middle linebacker,'' Simon said. "I don't like things to be up in the air, but I can't do anything about it.''

Simon said it had been a positive NFL experience prior to the injury.

"I'm happy I've gone through a camp, and happy for the opportunity and the chance,'' Simon said. "It's a whole different world. Everything is fresh and exciting, you're almost star-struck.''

Simon said there's also a harsh reality.

"Guys have wives and kids, and they have to put food on the table,'' Simon said. "It's not a game anymore, it's a job. In college, you say, 'We'll get 'em tomorrow.' Here, there ain't no tomorrow; you might get released, you might get cut or you might get hurt.''

Simon said he learned to appreciate his UT background more than ever very early in camp.

"Coach (John) Chavis prepares his players for the league well,'' Simon said. "Me and (New York Giants safety and former Vol) Gibril Wilson went to dinner and were talking about that.

"Gibril was saying how lucky he was to play for Chief (Chavis), and it's true, some guys don't have the background we do. I felt I had a big advantage over any other linebacker coming in.''

Simon said Chavis called him two weeks ago to check up on him.

"That meant a lot to me,'' Simon said. "I know he doesn't have a lot of time right now.''

Simon, meanwhile, has eight to 12 weeks to get his NFL career back on track.