He arrived as a first-round draft pick. No guarantees. No spotlight. Just a talented offensive lineman from Ohio State, selected No. 32 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs—a team banking on his potential to anchor their line. But sometimes, all it takes is one season to silence the skeptics.
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That’s the story of Josh Simmons. After signing a four-year, $13.8 million deal following a knee injury that sidelined him during his senior year, Simmons quickly became a linchpin in Andy Reid’s offense—and now he’s locked in for the long haul.
“WHEN I CAME TO KANSAS CITY, EVERYONE DOUBTED ME. I HEARD IT ALL. BUT EVERY WORD ONLY MADE ME MORE DETERMINED. AND NOW, EVERYTHING I’VE DONE IN THIS CITY PROVES THIS IS WHERE I BELONG,” Simmons declared, his resolve echoing through the locker room.
Simmons is proving his worth through five games of the 2025 season. The 22-year-old has played 314 snaps, ranking 19th among 112 offensive tackles per Pro Football Focus (PFF), with an impressive 5.7% pressure rate allowed—fifth lowest at his position. He’s yet to surrender a sack, a stark contrast to the skepticism following his injury-plagued college finale. His steady presence has bolstered Patrick Mahomes’ protection, contributing to 1,200 passing yards, while paving the way for a revitalized ground game averaging 120 yards per game. In the Chiefs’ recent 31-28 win over the Jaguars, Simmons’ key block on a 15-yard run by Isiah Pacheco showcased his impact, silencing doubters who questioned his durability. Coaches laud his technique, and teammates rely on his calm in the huddle, making him a rising star. With a three-year extension signed this offseason, Simmons is no longer a gamble—he’s a cornerstone, poised to lead Kansas City’s line into the playoffs.
Based on reports from Chiefs’ media and PFF statistics.
