Steelers sign Simmons to five-year extension

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Steelers Sunday signed guard Kendall Simmons to a contract extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2011 season.
The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Auburn product was Pittsburgh's first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2002 NFL Draft, and has since started 60 regular-season games, including 14 as a rookie, and six playoff appearances.
Simmons twice has overcome adversity to bolster the Steelers offensive line. After discovering he suffered from a diabetic condition causing him to lose 30 pounds, Simmons still started all 16 games that year. And, an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee during training camp in 2004 had him sidelined for that year on the season-ending reserve/injured list.