After weeks of silence and speculation, Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons has finally spoken out, addressing the wave of rumors that swirled during his unexpected leave from the team last month.
Simmons, who returned to the Chiefs this week after missing four games due to what the team called a “family matter,” set the record straight in an emotional media session on Monsday afternoon — putting an end to speculation about substance issues, health concerns, or disciplinary trouble.
“I’ve seen what people said online — that I was dealing with drugs, that my health was bad, that something was wrong with my family,” Simmons said calmly. “None of that is true. This was a personal situation — something private that I needed to handle as a man. And I’d appreciate if people respected that.”
The rookie left tackle, who had started in Kansas City’s first five games, emphasized that his time away from football was not the result of any violation or misconduct, but rather a moment where “life had to come first.”
“This wasn’t about football. It wasn’t about discipline. It was about me needing time to take care of something important off the field,” Simmons continued. “And through all of that, one person who never stopped checking on me was Patrick Mahomes.”
Simmons grew emotional as he described the support he received from the Chiefs’ franchise quarterback during what he called “the hardest few weeks of my life.”
“Patrick didn’t ask for details. He just made sure I was okay,” Simmons said. “He told me, ‘You’re part of this family — you don’t walk through hard times alone.’ That meant more to me than he probably realizes.”
Sources close to the team confirmed that Mahomes stayed in regular contact with Simmons during his absence, helping coordinate support from team staff and encouraging the rookie to prioritize his mental and emotional well-being.
Head coach Andy Reid echoed that sentiment, telling reporters:
“We’re proud of how Josh handled things. He did the right thing — took care of his responsibilities, then came back ready to work. That’s what being a professional is all about.”
Now back in the facility and preparing for the second half of the season, Simmons says he’s focused entirely on earning back the trust of his coaches and teammates.
“I know how fast rumors spread in this business. But I’m here now, stronger and clearer than before,” he said. “I’ve got a job to do, and I’m going to give everything I have to protect my quarterback — especially the guy who stood by me when I needed it most.”
As the Chiefs gear up for their post-bye-week stretch, Simmons’ return — and his resilience — have already made an impact.
Because in Kansas City, the message remains the same: family first, football next.
