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Ronald Simpkins
WESTERN INTERNATIONAL CLASS OF 1976
Coach, Community Activist, Entrepreneur, Former Professional Football Player
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Ron Simpkins graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western International High School, where he made his mark both in the classroom and on the field. A true three-sport athlete, it was football where Ron's extraordinary talent shined the brightest. His relentless drive and love for the game earned him spots on the Parade All-American Team and All-State Team, cementing his legacy as one of Western’s finest.
Ron took his talents, and his books, up the road to the University of Michigan on a full scholarship, where he became a legend in maize and blue. A three-year starter at linebacker, Simpkins collected an impressive list of accolades, All-Big Ten Player; Associated Press and United Press International All-American Football Player; Most Valuable Player of the Big Ten Conference; Senior Athlete of the Year; Team Most Valuable Player and Walter Camp All-American. He remains the all-time leading tackler in Michigan Football history.
After college, Ron was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals and spent eight seasons in the NFL, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 1981. He later played one season with the Green Bay Packers before retiring from the league in 1989 for what he proudly calls his greatest job yet: being a dad.
Ron and Laura raised three remarkable daughters who have each forged their own impactful paths. Elena Viñales, PhD, followed in her father’s and mother’s footsteps (literally and academically), earning both her BA and PhD from the University of Michigan, along with a Master’s in Sport Administration from Wayne State University—just like Dad. Maya Simpkins-Jones earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies and African American Studies, as well as a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. And Maria Simpkins, the creative force of the family, attended Wayne State University towards her BFA and is now a playwright and director breathing new life into Shakespeare and beyond. Ron jokes that he’s just trying to keep up.
Off the field, Ron has spent over two decades mentoring youth and building character through sports and service. As founder of the Commitment to Character Village Project and the WSU/VAC Training Program, Ron has trained countless coaches, volunteers, and youth workers to lead with purpose and integrity. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Harvey Barcus Award from the NFL and College Hall of Fame, the Champion for Youth Award from the Youth Development Commission, and the Samuel Logan Jr. Community Spirit Award.
Ron retired in 2022 from his role at Wayne State University, but anyone who knows him knows he hasn’t slowed down much—he just has more time now to cheer for his daughters.
From Western International to the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, Ron Simpkins has left a legacy of excellence, service, and love—for his family, for his community, and for the game.
Personal Quote: "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali
"Linebacker Ron Simpkins set two records at the University of Michigan that have stood 40 years or more. His 174 tackles in 1977 and 516 career tackles remain atop those statistical rankings at a school that's had some great defenders -- including four All-America linebackers." Steve Kornacki
Tackles Record Holder Simpkins Humbly Entering Hall of Honor - University of Michigan Athletics
2019 Michigan Athletics Hall of Honor - Image 13: Ron Simpkins - Michigan
