Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons ‘throws punch’ at teammate in fiery practice bust-up

AFC West - English Andy Reid - English Joe Krishnan - English Josh Simmons - English Kansas City Chiefs - English NFL - English NFL Preseason - English Sports Training Camps - English

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As Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp unfolded in St. Joseph, Missouri, rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons grabbed national attention for a full-contact confrontation with fellow rookie Ashton Gillotte.

The incident, which occurred during a one-on-one trench drill, showcased both competition’s physical intensity and Simmons’ fierce desire to make an immediate mark in his debut NFL camp.

The rough-and-tumble exchange began when Simmons delivered a powerful block on Gillotte during a run-play simulation. After the whistle, Gillotte pulled on Simmons’ jersey and shoved him.

In response, Simmons fired a right hand towards the defensive end – prompting a response blow from Gillotte before teammates intervened to separate the pair. In the scuffle, Gillotte even ripped off Simmons’ helmet and walked away without it as the session resumed.

Despite the disruption, head coach Andy Reid maintained a calm demeanor – an implied message that such raw displays of toughness can coexist with team discipline. This unfiltered episode fits within the NFL’s broader pattern of training-camp skirmishes that coaches typically dismiss as competitive heat.

Rookie rivalry reveals fierce competition

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy was quick to highlight Josh Simmons’ dominance, describing the clash as emblematic of that player’s elite competitiveness.

Simmons, who was Kansas City’s final first-round pick in April, continues to impress across training camp – even drawing comparisons to elite tackles like Trent Williams. Analysts and teammates alike have remarked on his rare combination of strength, length, and footwork, suggesting he could become the Chiefs’ long-term answer at left tackle.

Already absorbing the bulk of reps at the position, Simmons has stepped in while veteran Jawaan Taylor recovers from injury and Jaylon Moore rotates at right tackle.

Nagy praised Simmons’ mental approach, noting his ability to internalize coaching, maintain discipline and communicate across the line-qualities that complement his raw physicality.

The latest incident, while jarring, serves as a microcosm of what Kansas City demands: controlled aggression and relentless drive. Simmons’ willingness to go toe-to-toe with a peer signals a mindset head coach Reid has often called essential for championship contenders.

Why the incident is important

Tensions at camp explode for a reason. The Chiefs have leaned on Simmons to shore up their offensive line – long regarded as a key vulnerability in recent seasons. His standout performance in this fight and in positional drills before and after turned heads you don’t soon forget.

If Simmons can harness that fire without undisciplined aggression, Kansas City may have found the consistency it’s desperately sought in protecting Patrick Mahomes.

But the rawness of today’s spat reflects the nature of rookie integration. Simmons isn’t teetering on the edge – he’s pushing forward. And as seasoned veterans look on, each moment like this becomes a statement: will you back down or show you belong?

Sunday’s episode may have been one of those chaotic camp memories that fade with time – but it provides a telling snapshot of two things: Simmons’ relentless ambition, and the unforgiving environment of NFL training camp. Kansas City’s offense will rely on him heavily this year.

In the heat of competition, under coach Reid’s watchful eye, Simmons showed he has what it takes – even when tempers flare. That said, the Chiefs will need to be on guard to control any potential fallout in the locker room.

This news was originally published on this post .

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AFC West - English Andy Reid - English Joe Krishnan - English Josh Simmons - English Kansas City Chiefs - English NFL - English NFL Preseason - English Training Camps - English

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