Why is Josh Simmons staying silent about his 22-day disappearance from the Chiefs? It’s a question that’s left fans and reporters scratching their heads—and the young tackle isn’t giving much away. After missing nearly three weeks and four games, Simmons has returned to the field, but the reason for his absence remains shrouded in mystery. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing… Despite the curiosity, Simmons is keeping his cards close to his chest, citing privacy and family as his top priorities.
The rookie tackle rejoined the Chiefs two weeks ago but only broke his silence on Wednesday, speaking to reporters for the first time since his sudden departure hours before the team’s Oct. 12 game against the Lions. When asked about the reason for his absence, Simmons politely declined to elaborate. “I kind of want to keep that in-house, with all due respect,” he said. “I know everyone’s curious, but it’s something I’d like to keep private. Family is everything, especially in Polynesian culture, and having that support makes all the difference.”
The Chiefs initially described Simmons’ absence as a “personal reason,” and the 22-year-old later confirmed it was a “family situation.” During his time away, he maintained his training regimen, staying in shape and studying his playbook to ensure a seamless return. “I made sure I was working out, keeping my skills sharp, and staying mentally prepared,” Simmons explained. “I was ready to play the moment I came back. The team was incredibly supportive—teammates checked in regularly, and communication was transparent, especially toward the end. That kind of support made a huge difference.”
And this is the part most people miss… While fans and media speculated wildly, neither the team nor head coach Andy Reid seemed overly concerned. “He had to handle some personal matters, and he did,” Reid said matter-of-factly. Now that Simmons is back, the Chiefs are even more confident in their young star. Through six games, he’s already the third-best left tackle in pressure rate (5.4 percent) among qualified players, and he’s vowed to finish the season strong.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised Simmons’ performance, saying, “He’s a phenomenal player who gets better every week. The sky’s the limit for him—he just needs to keep pushing himself.” But here’s the controversial question: Should athletes be expected to disclose personal struggles, or is their right to privacy more important? Simmons’ situation sparks a broader debate about transparency in sports. While fans crave insight, is it fair to demand answers when an athlete’s personal life is at stake? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s far from over.
