Yukota "Ko" Simpson is a former American football safety.
Background
Simpson was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina and attended Castle Heights Middle School and Rock Hill High School where he helped lead the team to a Class American Association of Advertising Agencies State Championship playing on both offense and defense.
Career
He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at South Carolina. He has also played for the Detroit Lions.
He signed a letter of intent with South Carolina in 2003, but did not enroll until spring of 2004 under then head coach Lou Holtz.
In his freshman season, Simpson recorded 50 solo tackles, 11 assists and six interceptions. Against Georgia, in only his second collegiate game, he intercepted a David Greene pass and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.
As a sophomore, Simpson had 103 total tackles, two fumble returns and an interception. He was consensus All-Securities and Exchange Commission and named a Football Writers Association All-American.
Buffalo Bills
Simpson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
He had recorded 77 tackles 1 FF and 2 INT in his 2006 rookie season. Against the Denver Broncos in week 1 of the 2007 season, he broke his left ankle after his feet were cut out from under him by teammate Jason Webster while making a tackle on Javon Walker. On September 11, 2007 Ko was placed on injured reserve, ending his 2007 campaign.
Detroit Lions
Simpson was traded to the Detroit Lions in exchange for their 7th round pick on September 4, 2009.
On November 25, Simpson was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, more specifically a torn patella with a separated Master of Comparative Laws. He was released by the Lions on September 4, 2010.