HIGH PRAISE FROM A LEGEND: Jason Kelce Hails Chiefs Rookie Josh Simmons as Future Pro Bowler—Kansas City May Have Found Its Next Offensive Line Star

When a future Hall of Famer speaks, the football world listens. And when that player is Jason Kelce—a Super Bowl champion, six-time All-Pro, and universally respected leader—his words carry even more weight. That’s why eyebrows were raised across the NFL landscape when Kelce recently offered glowing praise for Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive lineman Josh Simmons, going so far as to say he sees “Pro Bowl potential” in the young blocker. In a league where linemen often toil in anonymity and recognition is hard-earned, Kelce’s comments shine a bright light on a rookie who may already be carving out his path to greatness in one of the NFL’s most demanding and scrutinized positions.

Josh Simmons, a third-round pick out of Ohio State, wasn’t necessarily the most talked-about lineman coming into the 2025 NFL Draft. He didn’t have the buzz of a top-ten pick or the media attention that clings to players from glamorous skill positions. But he had what mattered—solid tape, undeniable athleticism, and a mean streak in the trenches that scouts love to see. What Simmons didn’t have in hype, he’s beginning to build in respect, and that process accelerated dramatically when Jason Kelce singled him out following a joint practice session between the Chiefs and the Eagles. Kelce, who retired after the 2023 season but has remained active as a mentor and commentator, was attending the session as a guest of Philadelphia’s coaching staff. Yet it was a lineman wearing red and gold—not green and white—who caught his attention.

Kelce reportedly approached Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and General Manager Brett Veach after the practice and offered unsolicited praise. “That No. 72 kid you got—Simmons? He’s got something special. Strong base, great balance, and he finishes blocks like a veteran. If he keeps this up, he’s a Pro Bowler in a year or two, no question.” Coming from someone who has anchored one of the most efficient offensive lines in NFL history, that kind of evaluation is not just a pat on the back—it’s a spotlight. For Simmons, it’s validation of the hard work that began long before the NFL was even a possibility.

Growing up in La Mesa, California, Simmons was a multi-sport athlete who didn’t focus exclusively on football until high school. Even then, it wasn’t until his junior year that he made the full switch to offensive line, having previously played both ways as a defensive end and tight end. His quickness and agility stood out immediately, and it didn’t take long for college recruiters to come knocking. He chose Ohio State not just because of the program’s reputation for churning out NFL-ready talent, but also because of the opportunity to work with legendary offensive line coach Justin Frye. At OSU, Simmons refined his craft, bulking up to 315 pounds while maintaining the footwork and mobility that first drew attention to him. He became a reliable starter and helped pave the way for one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Yet even with that pedigree, questions lingered on draft night about whether Simmons could make the jump to NFL competition.

Those questions are now being answered rapidly in training camp, where Simmons has not only held his own against elite pass rushers but thrived. Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen has remarked on Simmons’ coachability and willingness to improve daily. “He’s like a sponge,” Cullen noted. “You tell him something once, and he applies it by the next snap. That’s rare. And his leverage—it’s like he’s already been in the league for five years.” Veteran linemen on the Chiefs roster have also taken notice. All-Pro guard Joe Thuney recently told reporters, “Simmons is coming along faster than any rookie I’ve seen in a while. His work ethic and humility are off the charts.”

That humility is something Simmons wears proudly. When asked about Kelce’s compliment, the rookie responded with characteristic poise. “I’ve watched Jason Kelce my whole life. For him to say something like that—it means the world. But I’ve got a long way to go. It’s back to the film room, back to the grind.” That attitude has only endeared him more to the Chiefs’ coaching staff, who are known for demanding excellence but rewarding commitment.

Of course, praise in June doesn’t guarantee performance in September. The road to the Pro Bowl is long and paved with obstacles—injuries, adjustments, and the relentless challenge of defending against NFL-level speed and power. But early indicators suggest that Simmons may be an outlier. His footwork has drawn comparisons to All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs, and his hand placement is remarkably advanced for a rookie. In pass protection drills, he has consistently stymied edge rushers, displaying patience and anchor strength beyond his years. In run blocking, his explosion off the snap and ability to reach the second level have opened eyes.

Perhaps most significantly, Simmons is fitting seamlessly into a Kansas City offense that demands versatility and intelligence from its linemen. With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback and Andy Reid calling plays, the Chiefs rely on linemen who can handle complex protections and adapt on the fly. It’s not enough to be big and strong—you have to be smart, too. Simmons, who graduated with honors in kinesiology, appears to possess that rare combination of brawn and brains. Offensive line coach Andy Heck has said, “Josh is the kind of player who sees the whole picture. He’s not just blocking a guy—he’s understanding the scheme, the defensive alignment, the blitz tendencies. That’s rare for a rookie.”

As the preseason approaches, Simmons is penciled in as the starting right tackle, a role the Chiefs have struggled to stabilize in recent seasons. If he performs as expected, it would be a huge boost to a team already loaded with championship aspirations. Protecting Mahomes’ blindside is arguably the most important job in football, and while Simmons isn’t manning the left side yet, his presence on the right could offer the kind of balance that unlocks new dimensions in the Chiefs’ offense.

Kelce’s endorsement has certainly amplified the spotlight, but Simmons isn’t shrinking under the glare. In fact, he seems to be rising to the occasion. Chiefs players have joked that “Kelce’s curse” might actually be a blessing this time, as the veteran’s past praise of young linemen has sometimes proven premature. Yet there’s a different feel around Simmons. It’s not just about what Kelce said—it’s about what everyone around the organization is seeing. The tape doesn’t lie. The reps don’t lie. And Jason Kelce, for all his wit and humor, doesn’t throw around praise lightly.

The Chiefs’ locker room is also a fertile environment for young stars to bloom. With leaders like Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones setting the tone, the team culture is steeped in accountability and excellence. Simmons appears to be soaking it all in. “Every day, I try to learn something new,” he said in a recent press conference. “Whether it’s from the vets, the coaches, or watching film, I just want to get better. That’s the only goal.” That goal, rooted in daily improvement and grounded effort, is precisely what makes Jason Kelce’s prediction feel less like hyperbole and more like a glimpse into an inevitable future.

If Simmons does reach the Pro Bowl, it won’t be solely because of athleticism or technique. It’ll be because he’s built for it—mentally, physically, and emotionally. The NFL eats up the unprepared and humbles even the most talented. But Simmons is arriving not as a wide-eyed rookie, but as a disciplined technician with a chip on his shoulder and a veteran’s demeanor. That’s the kind of player Jason Kelce sees. And if history is any guide, when Kelce sees something in a lineman, it’s usually not long before the rest of the league sees it too.

As Kansas City continues its quest to remain atop the NFL hierarchy, having a young, rising star on the offensive line could be the X-factor that propels them even further. Josh Simmons might not yet be a household name, but in NFL locker rooms, among scouts and coaches, and now with the endorsement of a legend, his name is echoing louder each day. And if his trajectory holds, Jason Kelce’s words might soon be remembered not just as high praise—but as prophetic.