ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Tensions flared at the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp on Tuesday as rookies Josh Simmons and Ashton Gillotte engaged in a physical altercation during a practice session. The incident, which unfolded during a grueling 9-on-7 drill, marked the first significant scuffle of the Chiefs’ 2025 training camp. Chiefs rookie sees fight broken up by Andy Reid.
Simmons, a rookie left tackle, threw a punch at defensive end Ashton Gillotte after a particularly intense play. Gillotte retaliated by ripping off Simmons’ helmet, escalating the confrontation. Head coach Andy Reid swiftly intervened, breaking up the skirmish before it spiraled further. The episode disrupted the morning practice, drawing attention from teammates and coaches under the sweltering Missouri sun. Josh Simmons is already making headlines.
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The altercation occurred on the third consecutive day of padded practices, a period known for testing players’ endurance and tempers. The intense heat in St. Joseph, where the Chiefs hold their annual training camp at Missouri Western State University, likely contributed to the frayed nerves. Players pushed through humid conditions, with temperatures climbing into the high 80s, adding strain to an already demanding session.
Josh Simmons, a highly touted offensive lineman, and Gillotte, an aggressive edge rusher, were competing in a drill designed to simulate game-like physicality. The clash began when Simmons took exception to Gillotte’s aggressive play, leading to the brief but fiery exchange. Teammates quickly separated the two, and practice resumed after Reid’s intervention restored order.
The incident sparked chatter among players, with left guard Kingsley Suamataia addressing the scuffle post-practice. He described it as a natural outcome of competitive spirits clashing in the high-stakes environment of camp. Both rookies, eager to prove themselves, appeared to channel their intensity into the moment, though neither faced immediate disciplinary action.
Andy Reid was not having it.
Chiefs training camp fights are not uncommon, as young players vie for roster spots and veterans set the tone for the season. The physicality of padded practices often amplifies emotions, especially among rookies adjusting to the NFL’s pace. Simmons and Gillotte, both draft picks aiming to secure roles on Kansas City’s roster, brought visible energy to the field, even if it briefly boiled over.
Reid, known for his steady leadership, used the moment to refocus the team. He emphasized discipline and teamwork, reminding players to channel their aggression into productive play. The Chiefs, coming off a Super Bowl-winning season, aim to maintain their edge while fostering unity among a mix of veterans and newcomers.
As practice wrapped, the focus shifted back to preparation for the upcoming season. The Chiefs continue their training camp in St. Joseph through early August, with players like Simmons and Gillotte looking to make their mark. Tuesday’s scuffle, while a momentary disruption, underscored the intensity and passion driving Kansas City’s quest for another championship.
The team resumes practice Wednesday, with all eyes on whether the rookies can harness their competitive fire without crossing the line. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine balance between intensity and control in the NFL’s pressure-cooker environment.
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