Rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons has secured the starting left tackle position for the Kansas City Chiefs as they prepare for the 2025 regular season. Selected 32nd overall in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, Simmons is set to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside, a critical role for the team’s success next year.
Simmons Named Starting Left Tackle Ahead of Season Opener
The Chiefs officially announced Simmons as their starting left tackle heading into Week One, according to an ESPN report. The Ohio State standout will take on the crucial responsibility of shielding quarterback Patrick Mahomes, aiming to stabilize the offensive line. General manager Brett Veach praised Simmons’ dedication, recounting how he noticed the rookie’s commitment by seeing only Simmons’ car parked at the team facility on an off day.
“It’s Josh Simmons’ car,” Veach said while smiling Friday. “I was like, ‘Wow.’ It’s a credit to him for the way he’s attacked this thing.”
—Brett Veach, General Manager
Simmons’ relentless approach since being drafted has included skipping the customary month-long offseason break that players received, choosing instead to remain in Kansas City to continue rehabilitating a knee injury that ended his college career prematurely last October.
Dedicated Recovery Efforts Accelerate Simmons’ Return
Even with strong showings in training camp, Simmons continues focused care on his knee, working closely with head trainer Rick Burkholder and assistant Julie Frymyer to maintain his health as the season nears. His proactive regimen reflects a maturity beyond his years, matching the discipline he demonstrated at Ohio State alongside trainer Adam Stewart.
“I’m more proactive with it than maybe most,” Simmons said. “I knew I was putting in a lot of work at Ohio State with (trainer Adam Stewart). Then coming here and having Julie and Rick, I knew if I just showed up and put the work in, it was going to line up perfectly (with returning for camp).”
—Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle
Known for his exceptional pass-blocking skills, Simmons did not allow any pressures on Mahomes during his last healthy college season across 153 pass-block snaps. If he returns to full strength, Simmons could become a cornerstone protector for the Chiefs’ franchise quarterback for many seasons.
The Chiefs will open the 2025 regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5, with Simmons poised to safeguard Mahomes’ blindside from the first snap.