In a shocking and emotional social media outburst, Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons has accused the organization of trying to trade him while he was still rehabbing a major injury, calling the move “cold-blooded” and “disrespectful.”

Simmons, 24, who suffered a torn MCL during the 2024 season, took to Instagram Live on Tuesday night to air his grievances. His fiery comments have since gone viral, igniting a storm of criticism and debate across the NFL world.

“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 Betrayal

Josh Simmons was a key part of the Chiefs’ offensive line before his season-ending knee injury in Week 9 of the 2024 season. Drafted in the second round in 2023, Simmons quickly rose to become a fan favorite and a foundational piece in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

After months of intense rehab, Simmons was reportedly close to returning for training camp in July. However, sources close to the player allege the Chiefs began quietly exploring trade offers, potentially aiming to offload Simmons before his injury timeline became public.

Simmons Speaks Out: Key Accusations

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

• He was never informed directly by team leadership about trade discussions.
• He felt betrayed after dedicating himself to a “Super Bowl mindset” culture.
• He said the team “used him up and tossed him aside” the moment he got hurt.
• He accused the front office of prioritizing cap space over loyalty.

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

Chiefs Stay Silent – For Now

As of this writing, the Kansas City Chiefs have not issued an official response to Simmons’s claims. Sources within the organization told NFL insiders that while “conversations may have occurred,” no trade was imminent or finalized.

An anonymous team executive reportedly said,

“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 triggered a wide range of reactions from players, media, and fans:

• Tyrann Mathieu, former Chiefs player: “Always protect yourself. These teams don’t love you back.”
• NFLPA issued a brief statement saying they are “monitoring the situation” and remain in contact with Simmons.
• Fans are split — some support Simmons’ honesty, while others argue that “business is business.”

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

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

Critics argue that teams often preach “family culture” while operating with cold financial calculations behind closed doors.

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

What’s Next for Josh Simmons?

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

Several teams have already expressed quiet interest should Simmons become available — though no official trade or release has been announced.

Conclusion: Business vs Brotherhood

Josh Simmons’s explosive social media rant has reopened the ongoing NFL debate around loyalty, injury, and player treatment. Whether his time in Kansas City is over or salvageable remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this story is far from over.