qq. HE’S BACK & TEARS ARE FLOWING: Josh Simmons STORMS Chiefs Practice – Drops GUT-WRENCHING Reason for 4-Game Vanish & THANKS Fans in Emotional Meltdown! KC ROARS!
After two weeks of uncertainty, Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons officially returned to practice on Tuesday morning at the Arrowhead Training Complex — marking his first appearance since stepping away from the team before the Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
For the first time, Simmons personally addressed the reason behind his absence, confirming that he had to leave the team to deal with a deeply painful family tragedy. His mother washospitalized following a violent domestic incident involving his father, just days before the Lions game.
“It was the darkest stretch of my life,” Simmons said quietly after practice, visibly emotional but composed. “I was completely broken at one point. But I had to step away and take care of what mattered most.”
Simmons thanked the Chiefs organization, his teammates, and the fanbase for standing behind him through everything, emphasizing that their support gave him strength to recover and return.
“This has been the hardest time of my life. But I’m not alone — and that means everything. I’m deeply thankful for the support and love from this organization and from every fan who stood by me. Because of all of you, I’ve been able to let go of the weight I carried and find the strength to play again.”
He also asked that the media stop revisiting the personal details of his family situation, saying:
“It’s something I don’t want to relive. I’ve said all I need to say — now it’s time to move forward and focus on football.”
According to team sources, Simmons participated in limited drills and individual work on Tuesday and is expected to gradually increase his workload through the week. The Chiefs plan to evaluate his readiness before making any decision on his game-day status.
Head coach Andy Reid praised Simmons for his courage and perseverance: “He’s been through more than most people could handle — and yet, he’s still here, still fighting. That tells you everything about who he is.”
For the 23-year-old rookie, this return represents far more than just football. It’s about healing, resilience, and the unwavering truth that in Kansas City — no one fights alone.
