Josh Simmons Calls Out Chiefs on Social Media for Attempting to Trade Him While Rehabbing Injury

In a shocking and emotional outburst on social media, Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons has accused the organization of trying to trade him while he was still recovering from a significant injury. He described the move as “cold-blooded” and “disrespectful.”

Simmons, 24, who suffered a torn MCL during the 2024 season, took to Instagram Live on Tuesday night to express his frustrations. His passionate comments quickly went viral, igniting widespread criticism and debate within the NFL community.

“I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this team. I went down fighting, and they tried to ship me out before I could even walk again,” Simmons said.
“They didn’t even have the decency to tell me first. I had to hear it from my agent.”

Background: Injury, Recovery, and Feelings of Betrayal

Josh Simmons was a key player on the Chiefs’ offensive line before his knee injury in Week 9 of the 2024 season. A second-round pick in 2023, Simmons had quickly become a fan favorite and an essential protector for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

After months of intensive rehab, Simmons was reportedly nearing a return for training camp in July. However, sources close to Simmons claim that the Chiefs had begun exploring trade offers behind the scenes, potentially looking to move Simmons before the details of his injury became public knowledge.

Simmons Speaks Out: Key Allegations

During his 12-minute Instagram Live session, Simmons made several explosive allegations:

• He was never directly informed by the team’s leadership about trade discussions.

He felt betrayed after committing to the team’s “Super Bowl mindset” culture.

He accused the team of “using him up and tossing him aside” once he got injured.

He claimed the front office prioritized cap space over loyalty.

“This wasn’t just business — this was personal,” Simmons stated. “You don’t do your players like that.”

Chiefs Remain Silent – For Now

As of now, the Kansas City Chiefs have not issued an official statement in response to Simmons’s accusations. Sources within the organization have indicated that while “conversations may have occurred,” no trade was imminent or finalized.

An anonymous team executive reportedly commented:
“We respect Josh’s talent and commitment, but in this league, decisions are made every day. That’s the nature of the business.”

NFL Reactions: Players and Analysts Weigh In

The incident has sparked a variety of reactions from players, media, and fans:

• Tyrann Mathieu, former Chiefs player, said: “Always protect yourself. These teams don’t love you back.”

The NFLPA issued a brief statement confirming that they are “monitoring the situation” and are in contact with Simmons.

Fans have been divided — some support Simmons for his honesty, while others argue that “business is business.”

The Larger Issue: Injured Players and the NFL’s Loyalty Problem

Simmons’s case isn’t unique. Over the years, several high-profile players — including Richard Sherman, Thomas Davis, and Earl Thomas — have criticized their teams for treating them as disposable during or after injury.

Critics argue that while teams often promote a “family culture,” they frequently operate based on cold financial calculations behind closed doors.

“When you’re healthy and winning, you’re family. When you’re injured? You’re just a number,” said one anonymous veteran.

What’s Next for Josh Simmons?

Despite the controversy, Simmons remains under contract with the Chiefs and is expected to be medically cleared before the 2025 season begins. However, insiders suggest that his relationship with the team may be beyond repair.

Several teams have already quietly expressed interest should Simmons become available, though no official trade or release has been confirmed.

Conclusion: Business vs Brotherhood

Josh Simmons’s emotional social media rant has reignited the ongoing NFL debate surrounding loyalty, injuries, and player treatment. Whether his time with the Chiefs is coming to an end or can be salvaged remains unclear, but one thing is certain: this story is far from over.