Josh Simmons Breaks Silence: “I Just Wanted to Be There for My Mom in Her Final Days” – Chiefs Star Opens Up About His Emotional Return

Kansas City, Missouri – As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to charge into the second half of the season, one story has silenced the roar of the crowd — the heartbreaking reason behind Josh Simmons’ sudden departure earlier this year.

For weeks, fans speculated about the left tackle’s mysterious absence. Now, Simmons has finally spoken, revealing a truth that left even his toughest teammates fighting back tears.

“I couldn’t keep practicing knowing my mom was in the hospital,” Simmons said quietly. “She was the first person who taught me to stand tall after every fall. When the doctors said she didn’t have much time left… I knew I had to go home.”

According to team sources, Simmons’ mother was diagnosed with late-stage heart disease, and he requested permission from head coach Andy Reid to step away from the team to be by her side. During those difficult weeks, Simmons stayed out of the spotlight, spending his days holding his mother’s hand and listening to Chiefs games together on the TV.

“We rewatched last year’s Super Bowl,” he recalled, his voice trembling. “She said, ‘Promise me you’ll go back out there one day.’ And I promised.”

Coach Andy Reid confirmed that Simmons has now rejoined the team and will resume practice this week. More importantly, Reid reminded everyone what makes the Chiefs special:

“Our players aren’t just athletes — they’re human beings with hearts. The most important thing is that Simmons is okay as a person.”

While Jaylon Moore filled in admirably during Simmons’ absence — ranking 31st out of 82 tackles according to Pro Football Focus — Reid admitted no one could replace what Simmons brings to the field.

“You can find players,” Reid said, “but you can’t replace heart. And Josh brings that every single day.”

Now, with his mother’s memory burning in his chest, Josh Simmons has returned to the Chiefs’ facility, determined to keep his promise.

“Every snap, every block — it’s for her,” he said. “I’m not just coming back for football. I’m coming back for love.”

This Sunday, when the Chiefs face the Denver Broncos, fans at Arrowhead Stadium won’t just be watching a football player return. They’ll be witnessing a son honoring the greatest love of all — a mother’s.