NFL News: Andy Reid breaks silence on the fight between Chiefs rookies at training camp

It’s safe to say that Andy Reid has seen pretty much everything in the NFL by now. With many years of coaching under his belt―including more than a decade at the helm of the Kansas City Chiefs―it’s hard to find something that can surprise the 67-year-old at this point in his career.

While training camp fights always give plenty to talk about when they happen, they may not shock Reid anymore. Let alone if said brawls occur between rookies trying to earn a spot in the NFL.

Last week, a scuffle between defensive end Ashton Gillotte and offensive tackle Josh Simmons at Chiefs training camp went viral. It took a few days to hear Reid’s comments about it, with the coach breaking his silence on the matter on Sunday. But far from looking concerned about it, Big Red downplayed the situation.

Reid downplays scuffle between Chiefs rookies at training camp

“It’s one thing you see with the rookies, because they do a couple different things before we actually get them out on the field, where they’re together at these different functions,” Reid said, via Chiefs Wire. “There’s certain pride in your rookie class, and what, how you’re going to establish yourself, and that.

“Then, when they compete, those two are competitive guys, and they get in there, banging around a little bit. I think it’s all healthy. They’re friends, so it works out off the field, but they’re both trying to chase a starting spot and see what they can do there.“

see also

Andy Reid’s net worth: How much money does the Kansas City Chiefs head coach have?

Simmons and Gillotte went at it after the offense ran a play on Wednesday, with several teammates stepping in as the rookies wouldn’t stop after the whistle blew. Reid’s comments echoe Gillotte’s sentiment, with the Chiefs‘ 2025 third-round pick seeing the positive aspect of this heated moment.

Gillotte also sees the bright side of his fight with Simmons

“It’s definitely a good thing. It’s great to have competition on the field; that’s what we want. That’s the only way we (can) get better, is if we’re continuously pushing each other. Me and him (Josh Simmons) have had a lot of mutual respect coming from college,” Gillotte said Saturday.

“Like I watched his game, he watched my game. There’s a lot of mutual respect. So, if we’re on the field, (and) I get the best of him, (and) he gets the best of me, you know things are going to build. Tensions are going to build- it was hot (outside). Who cares? You know what I’m saying? At the end of the day, we’re teammates. We’re going to keep pushing each other to get better.”

Rookies working for a spot in Kansas City

What happens on the field stays on the field, especially when you’re playing on the same team. There are many weeks to go before the real competition starts, and the Chiefs rookies have time to learn from these situations so that they don’t happen before games.

Simmons, selected with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is already emerging as the Chiefs’ possible starter at left tackle. Gillotte, meanwhile, is working to establish himself at the defensive end room. Their fight, fortunately, won’t affect Reid’s consideration for them.