Chiefs OT Simmons mum on reason for absence

"I was making sure I was working out, just keeping my feet alive and making sure my nervous system was woken up," Simmons. "I was ready to play. The communication with the team was very transparent, especially at the end. I had some teammates that were always checking in on me. When you have teammates like that, it definitely [helped]." "Being away from the game, I was itching to get back and fight for them."

"I kind of want to keep that in house, with all due respect," Simmons said. "I know everybody wants to know, but it's something I want to keep, you know, [private]. ... Obviously, family is the biggest thing Polynesians lean on. When you get in that, it just makes everything a lot better."

"KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, the team's first-round selection in last April's NFL draft, spoke with reporters Wednesday for the first time since he rejoined the team more than two weeks ago. During his 22-day absence from the Chiefs, Simmons missed four games for what the team called a "family situation.""

Josh Simmons, the Chiefs' rookie left tackle and a first-round pick, missed 22 days and four games due to a personal family situation and flew home to San Diego. Simmons declined to disclose details, stressing privacy and the importance of family in his Polynesian background. Coach Andy Reid said Simmons handled necessary business. Simmons maintained access to gyms and his playbook while away, worked to keep his feet and nervous system ready, and stayed in transparent communication with teammates who checked in. Simmons returned to the Chiefs and resumed his starting role against the Denver Broncos.

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