Josh Simmons Breaks Silence After Family Tragedy — “I Just Wanted My Mom Safe.”
After four emotional weeks away from football, Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons has finally returned to the team — and for the first time, he’s speaking out about the family crisis that kept him off the field.
In a deeply personal statement released on Monday, Simmons confirmed that his mother had been hospitalized following a domestic violence incident involving his father just days before the Chiefs’ Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
“I just wanted my mom safe,” Simmons said quietly. “Football stopped mattering the moment I saw what she went through. My mom has always been my reason to fight — and when she needed me most, I had to be there.”
“People see us as athletes, but sometimes life hits harder than any defender ever could,” he continued. “I went through anger, guilt, and pain — but my mom taught me to stand up, no matter how hard it gets.”
Simmons returned to the Chiefs facility this past Monday, rejoining his teammates for the first time since late September. Coaches and players reportedly welcomed him back with open arms, offering quiet support rather than questions.
“The guys didn’t need to say much,” Simmons shared. “Just seeing their faces, hearing them say ‘we got you,’ that meant everything. This locker room feels like home again.”
Though he’s not expected to play immediately, Simmons has resumed team activities and is working closely with trainers to regain focus and form. His resilience and honesty have already made a powerful impression within the organization.
“I’m not back to escape what happened — I’m back because my mom told me to keep going,” Simmons said. “She told me, ‘You’ve already protected me. Now go protect Mahomes.’ That’s what I’m here to do.”