Chiefs’ Josh Simmons Breaks Silence on Mysterious 3-Week Absence From Team

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Josh Simmons broke his silence about his mysterious 22-day absence from the organization.

“I want to thank [all of] Kansas City and this club for having my ‘six’ in the time I was away from the team,” Simmons, 22, told reporters on Wednesday, November 19. “It showed how much love this team and city has for me and I can’t wait to give it back to them.”

As for the specific reason for his absence, Simmons decided to keep that close to the vest. 

“I kind of want to keep that in house, all due respect,” he said. “It’s just something I want to keep inside.”

Patrick Mahomes Addresses Andy Reid’s Criticism Amid Dramatic Week in K.C.

Simmons left the team on October 12, just hours before they were set to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football. At the time, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Simmons was “dealing with a family matter back home in California.”

He missed four games before returning to the lineup for the team’s showdown with the Denver Broncos on Sunday, November 16, ultimately a 22-19 Broncos victory. 

During his time away, Simmons said, “Communication with the team was very transparent, especially at the end.”

“I’ve got teammates who were always checking in on me,” Simmons added. “Obviously they had games and stuff like that. But when you have teammates like that, I was itching to get back and fight for them.”

Though he was away from this team, Simmons said he still made sure to keep his mind and body right. 

“I had access to gyms and stuff like that,” he explained. “I was making sure I was working out and hitting some field work. Just keeping my feet alive and stuff like that, making sure my nervous system was woken up.”

Simmons also “had access to my playbook,” which allowed him to “keep up and stay proactive.”

Now that he’s returned to the team, Simmons said he plans on being with the organization as they fight for a playoff spot down the home stretch of their schedule.

“Absolutely, I will be here for the rest of the season for the Kansas City Chiefs,” Simmons boasted. 

Chiefs Heiress Gracie Hunt Reveals Engagement Gift She Gave to Taylor Swift

Kansas City (5-5) is currently on the outside of the AFC playoff picture and will host the Indianapolis Colts (8-2) on Sunday, November 23. 

Days after Simmons abruptly left the team, ESPN’s Nate Taylor called the Simmons story “the strangest situation I can think of since the first year covering the team on a daily basis.”

“I do believe it’s a family matter,” Taylor said. “I do believe Josh Simmons is back in the southern California, San Diego area, which is his hometown. … When Patrick Mahomes said yesterday that he’s ‘praying’ for Josh Simmons, I think we all need to take that cue from the quarterback. I’m fearful, I guess, is probably the best way I can explain what I’ve heard. Some of which I’ve tried to gather and confirm and other things I’m still trying to pursue in terms of having a better understanding of what Josh is going through.”

Taylor continued, “I’m fearful because we don’t have all the details right now. And that makes the outcome perhaps grim. I just want people to understand that this is really difficult for Josh. I can’t imagine what he’s going through based on what I’ve heard.”