Last Sunday, Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Josh Simmons informed the team that he needed to leave to resolve a family matter in San Diego. Since then, social media has speculated about the details, but at its core, it’s none of our business.
When the Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons in April’s NFL Draft, the heartbeat of the Chiefs Kingdom broke the fan meter. After searching for a dominant left tackle since Eric Fisher’s departure, the Chiefs addressed their most significant need by choosing a player who surprisingly slid to the end of the first round.
Since Simmons arrived in Kansas City, he has been passionately committed to his work, dedicated to his rehab, and determined to be the starting left tackle on opening day.
In speaking to the media, he has been nothing short of engaged, honest, and driven to prove his critics, who didn’t believe he was a top ten draft pick. In July, when the Chiefs finished their mandatory rookie camp, Simmons stayed in Kansas City every day to work out, rehab his injury, and do whatever he could to be ready for training camp.
He took almost every snap in August with the starting unit and entered the regular season as a dominant left tackle with a clear mission to protect the franchise, Patrick Mahomes.
In the four games he started, he was praised as the steal of the draft. He, along with second-year guard Kingsley Suamataia, formed a bond that shut down the left side of the offensive line.
With each game, Simmons improved and grew more confident, and the shine of the Chiefs’ new offensive line began to find its heart and pulse.
Then Simmons had to tend to a family matter that was deeply rooted in his soul and significant enough to leave his teammates. That sacrifice showed all of us that he’s human.
I’ve been involved in this game my whole life. I can tell stories that would fill several books, and I’d find it hard to run out of space for the events NFL players have experienced off the field.
It’s what we don’t see that causes us to melt down or play the blame game when an athlete feels overwhelmed by the pressure of being the starting left tackle for a Super Bowl team, and at the center of his family, who is acting like a responsible adult in times of need for others.
I’m not going to speculate about why Simmons left Kansas City because it’s none of my business. The timeline of events before and during this situation remains unclear. Of course, as games go by and he’s still not on the field, social media will spread all kinds of nonsense.
So, let me put this in clear perspective! Simmons will come back when he’s ready to play the game he loves with a clear mind and heart.
We all face issues in life that cause us to pause deeply, and we often do so without explaining to anyone outside our inner circle. When this situation arose, Simmons informed his head coach and was excused to handle the matter directly.
Yes, some see his absence as hurting the team, especially on game day. Luckily, the Chiefs had a veteran backup in Jaylon Moore, who was excellent filling in for Simmons against the Detroit Lions.
Moore will return to the field Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, and Simmons will be with his family because that’s where he needs to be.
So, for those seeking answers, you won’t get them, and we don’t deserve an explanation. When Simmons chooses to speak—and he will eventually—then we will gain clarity.
For now, we should focus on sending unconditional love, thoughts, and prayers to Simmons and his family as they handle this private matter.
