After Mysterious Absence, Chiefs Rookie Josh Simmons Pays Emotional Tribute to His Father — a Wounded Veteran Who Taught Him That True Strength Lies in Perseverance
Kansas City, Missouri — November 10, 2025
For nearly a month, Josh Simmons, the Kansas City Chiefs’ promising rookie offensive tackle, was nowhere to be found. Listed on the team’s weekly reports under “personal reasons,” he missed four consecutive games — and the team, known for its tight-lipped discipline under Andy Reid, refused to offer further comment.
Now, after rejoining the Chiefs this week, Simmons has broken his silence — and revealed that his time away wasn’t about football at all.
“I had to take care of something personal,” Simmons said quietly after Thursday’s practice. “My dad — he’s a veteran who’s been through more battles than I can imagine. When he got sick again, I just needed to be there. He’s the reason I ever learned what toughness really means.”
Simmons’ father, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant, was injured by an IED blast while serving overseas more than a decade ago. Though he lost part of his mobility, he remained a guiding force in his son’s life — instilling discipline, humility, and perseverance long before Josh ever stepped onto an NFL field.
“He used to tell me, ‘Pain doesn’t define you — what you do next does,’” Simmons recalled. “When I thought I couldn’t push through drills at Ohio State, I’d remember how he learned to walk again. That’s the standard I live by.”
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Simmons’ absence was excused and emphasized that the organization prioritized his family’s well-being above everything else.
“Josh is a good kid with a good heart,” Reid said. “He’s been through a lot these last few weeks, but he handled it like a pro. Family comes first — always.”
During his return to practice, teammates greeted Simmons with open arms. Veteran guard Trey Smith said the young lineman’s story inspired the locker room.
“You never know what someone’s carrying,” Smith said. “Josh showed us that being strong isn’t just about moving people on the field — it’s about showing up for the people who raised you.”
Now back in pads, Simmons says he’s grateful to refocus on football — but with a new sense of purpose.
“Every rep I take now, I think about him,” Simmons said. “He fought through pain every day just to keep moving. If he can do that, I can fight for every inch out here.”
For the Chiefs, Simmons’ return is more than a depth boost to their offensive line — it’s a reminder that the battles players face off the field often shape the men they become on it.
Sub-content:
After disappearing for four weeks due to personal reasons, Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons returns with gratitude — dedicating his comeback to his father, a wounded veteran who taught him that real strength isn’t physical, but born from perseverance and love.
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