Logo

Chiefs Rookie's Inspiring Story: From Homeless Child to NFL First-Round Starter

Article image

Kansas City, Missouri – In the unforgiving world of American football, where talent and grit are tested daily, Josh Simmons’ story stands out as a testament to resilience and ambition. From enduring homelessness and witnessing his grandmother lose their family home to becoming a first-round draft pick and now a starter for the Kansas City Chiefs, Simmons’ journey is nothing short of inspiring.

In a press conference ahead of the season opener, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid couldn’t hide his pride when speaking about his young star.
“He’s been through it—homelessness, watching his grandma lose their family home—but those struggles forged a relentless drive in him,” Reid said with unwavering confidence. “He’s been shining and grinding every single day here in Kansas City. That’s why I’m starting him this weekend. Trust me, this kid’s not gonna let us down.”

Reid’s words were not just an endorsement of Simmons’ talent but a recognition of the ironclad determination he developed through adversity. Born into challenging circumstances, Simmons faced hardships few could imagine. From nights without a place to call home to seeing his family lose their anchor, those struggles shaped an unyielding spirit. “Every day on the practice field, he brings that fire,” Reid added in a post-practice interview. “He’s not just playing for himself but for everyone who’s believed in him.”

Selected by the Chiefs in the first round of the recent NFL Draft, Simmons quickly proved his worth. Teammates and coaches alike have noted that his dedication goes beyond skill—it’s in his relentless work ethic. “He’s always the first one on the field and the last to leave,” an assistant coach shared. “That’s the kind of player you want on your team.”

Simmons’ rise is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration to his teammates and Chiefs fans. As the NFL season kicks off, all eyes will be on this rookie who turned adversity into fuel to shine on the gridiron. With Reid’s bold endorsement, it’s clear that Josh Simmons is not just a starter but a symbol of perseverance and hope.

134 views
Bears Could Get Huge Boost to Pass Rush for ‘MNF’ vs. Commanders
Bears defensive end Austin Booker could return in Week 6. The Chicago Bears could receive a significant boost to their pass rush when they take on the Washington Commanders for Monday Night Football in Week 6. The Bears are now eligible to designate second-year defensive end Austin Booker for return from the injured reserve list after he missed the first four games of the season. Booker had shone in the preseason and seemed the likely choice to serve as the Bears‘ top rotational pass rusher behind veterans Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo coming into the 2025 season, but he suffered a knee injury in August that forced the team to place him on the short-term injured reserve list after the 53-man roster cutdown. Promoted Content Brain Specialist: Honey, The Plaque Destroyer (Watch This)   Brain Journal Researcher: Honey Method, Alzheimer's Natural Predator (See How)   Brain Journal Dementia Has Been Linked To A Common Habit. Do You Do It?   Brain Defender Dementia & Memory Loss Have Been Linked To This Habit. You Do It?   Brain Journal While the Bears have not laid out an expected return timeline for Booker, they will have the option of designating him for return to practice in Week 6 if they feel he has made enough progress in his injury recovery. Once the Bears designate him for return, they will have 21 days to activate him to the roster or else must leave him on IR for the year. The Bears could provide clues to Booker’s status when they hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday and issue their first injury report for Sunday’s prime-time date with the Commanders. They would need to activate Booker by Saturday afternoon at the latest for him to have a chance of suiting up for them on Monday Night Football. The Bears (2-2) will take on the Commanders (3-2) at 8:15 p.m. ET next Monday.