Chiefs Rookie Camp Unveils Star Tackle’s Epic Comeback!

Kansas City, Mo – May 5, 2025

Chiefs Kingdom, brace yourselves: the 2025 rookie minicamp just delivered a blockbuster moment! On a sunlit Saturday at the Truman Sports Complex, first-round pick Josh Simmons stunned the NFL world, stepping onto the field in drills mere months after a devastating knee injury, igniting dreams of a Super Bowl redemption.

The 6-foot-5, 317-pound Ohio State titan, selected 32nd overall, wasn’t expected to participate. Yet, Simmons defied the odds, showcasing fluid footwork in position drills. Before his 2024 patellar tendon tear, he posted zero pressures in 152 pass-block snaps, per Pro Football Focus—a perfect fit to shield Patrick Mahomes after 2024’s 41-sack nightmare.

Andy Reid couldn’t hide his excitement, beaming as Simmons absorbed the playbook’s simplicity compared to Ohio State’s pro-style scheme. “I’m locked in on mental reps,” Simmons grinned, eyeing a starting left tackle role over Jaylon Moore. Chiefs fans lost their minds on X: “Simmons is back! Mahomes is untouchable now!”

Seventh-round steal Brashard Smith stole the show, his SMU pedigree shining through. With 1,977 all-purpose yards in 2024—fourth in FBS—the converted receiver-turned-running back snagged a sideline gem in 7-on-7 drills. Smith’s speed could stretch defenses alongside Isiah Pacheco, giving Mahomes a dual-threat weapon.

Reid downplayed comparisons to Pacheco, saying, “We’ll see when the pads come on.” But Smith fired back, “I’m here to carve my path,” his receiver roots hinting at a dynamic role with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Chiefs Kingdom buzzed with anticipation for this backfield duo.

Second-round defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott flashed raw power, his explosive bursts a boon for Steve Spagnuolo’s schemes. Despite limited snaps at Tennessee (17.3 per game), Norman-Lott soaked up wisdom from Chris Jones, setting the stage to bolster a line craving youth.

Undrafted SMU receiver Key’Shawn Smith capped the day with a jaw-dropping deep catch from Zach Dabrowski, while third-rounder Ashton Gillotte gushed about meeting Travis Kelce at last year’s Kentucky Derby. “He’s a real one,” Gillotte said, hungry for mentorship.

Chiefs Kingdom, your future just got brighter! Simmons’ epic comeback and Smith’s electric debut signal a 2025 resurgence. As minicamp rolls on, these rookies are poised to fuel Kansas City’s quest for another Lombardi Trophy.