Chiefs practice fight: Why rookie Josh Simmons threw punch at Ashton Gillotee during physical altercation

Daniel Mader

Chiefs practice fight: Why rookie Josh Simmons threw punch at Ashton Gillotee during physical altercation image

The Chiefs' quest for a fourth-straight trip to the Super Bowl is underway. But the team is off to a bit of a dramatic start in training camp.

Not only did NFL Network's Ian Rapoport report that wide receiver Xavier Worthy appeared to be "shaken up" during practice, but on Tuesday, tempers flared at Kansas City's camp between rookies Josh Simmons and Ashton Gillotee.

Both were among the Chiefs' top selections in April's NFL Draft, with Simmons, an offensive tackle, selected 32nd overall and Gillottee, a defensive end, was taken 66th overall. The two were seen in a physical altercation during Tuesday's session.

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Here's a look at the Chiefs' practice fight between the two rookies.

Chiefs practice fight between Josh Simmons, Ashton Gillotee

During Tuesday's practice, video showed a live rep for the Chiefs' offense against the defense. Patrick Mahomes took the snap then handed the ball off, and after Simmons went to block Gillottee, the two engaged in some pushing and shoving.

Simmons then threw a punch at Gillottee, who was wearing his helmet, and Gillottee shoved Simmons' helmet right back. After the two got closer to one another, teammates and coaches came in to break it up.

Here's another angle from the toss-up between the two rookies. Simmons' helmet came off during the skirmish:

There may have been some prior bad blood between Simmons and Gillottee as well. On Monday, in one-on-one drills between defensive and offensive linemen, Simmons was seen throwing Gillottee to the ground after blocking him.

While Gillottee figures to be in a backup or rotational role on the Chiefs' defensive line this season, Simmons is reportedly tracking to earn Kansas City's starting left tackle spot. Blocking was an issue for the team at times last year, especially in the Super Bowl in a blowout loss, and the Chiefs' first-round pick being Simmons was an indication that he'd have a bigger role to play.

Jordan Schultz reported Monday that Simmons is "on track to start" in Week 1. 

Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader is a Content Producer for The Sporting News. He joined SN in 2024 as an editorial intern following graduation from Penn State University. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. Daniel grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.