The morning sun hit the Chiefs’ practice field just as a 6-foot-5 rookie stepped out in silence—separated from his teammates, shadowboxing the memory of a torn patellar tendon. Not far off, another rookie tightened his cleats, unnoticed by most. No fanfare. No pressure. Just a quiet determination to prove that a famous bloodline didn’t guarantee anything. But a shot? That’s enough for both of them.

“He looks like he’s got some talent there,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Sunday, May 4, following the second day of rookie minicamp at the Truman Sports Complex. Reporters buzzed with questions about Kansas City’s newest prospects, but it was clear that all eyes were on one man: Josh Simmons, the first-round pick (No. 32 overall) out of Ohio State.

Simmons, a physically imposing 6-foot-5, 317-pound offensive tackle, was sidelined from contact drills this weekend as he continues to rehab a patellar tendon tear sustained in mid-October. While fans are understandably cautious, the Chiefs coaching staff remains optimistic that Simmons will be fully cleared by the time full training camp rolls around.

The former Buckeye had already endeared himself to the Kansas City faithful by posting a draft-night message: “What’s up Kansas City, Josh Simmons here—quarterback protector from Ohio State.” Now, he’s making headlines for another reason: the numbers on his rookie deal. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Simmons signed a fully guaranteed 4-year, $14.675 million contract, negotiated by agents Drew Rosenhaus, Robert Bailey, and Oliver Chell. The agreement includes a fifth-year team option for the 2028 season.

Ever since the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss, Andy Reid has been laser-focused on reinforcing the offensive line. Protecting Patrick Mahomes has become more than a priority—it’s a mission. He didn’t stop with Simmons’ signature. He also signed Oklahoma State OL Dalton Cooper and Washington State OT Esa Pole as undrafted free agents, searching for cost-effective solutions to beef up depth.

Even NFL legend Andrew Whitworth chimed in earlier this offseason, urging Reid to double down on line protection. “When they protect Mahomes, they are a really tough team to beat,” he said in March. Clearly, Kansas City took that advice to heart. But while the front office is busy scouting shields for their franchise QB, Mahomes has another storyline playing out just a few yards away.

Andy Reid gives Patrick Mahomes’ half-brother a chance

Among the 87 players attending the Chiefs rookie minicamp this weekend, one name stood out—not because of his draft pedigree, but because of his bloodline. Graham Walker, the half-brother of Patrick Mahomes (via their father Pat Mahomes Sr.), has been invited to compete for a roster spot. Raised by his mother, Jessamyn Walker, and stepfather, Gerry Howatt, Graham has largely stayed out of the spotlight that follows his MVP sibling.

“He’s a little bit more laid back than the others,” Mahomes Sr. said in a 2024 interview. “Stays away from the spotlight and goes out and grinds and works. But a very impressive young man. His manners are intact. His stepdad did a great job with him, his mom did a great job with him, and now I’m getting the chance to put my hands on him a little more.”

Graham began his collegiate football journey as a wide receiver at Brown University, where he tallied 125 receptions for 1,465 yards and 15 touchdowns over three seasons. He later transferred to Rice University, where he switched positions to tight end and posted 24 receptions for 252 yards in his lone season.

Now, he’s facing long odds—but a legitimate opportunity. The Chiefs are known for developing lesser-known talent, and Reid has built a reputation for giving underdogs a fair shot. If Walker manages to land a contract, it will be one of the offseason’s most feel-good stories. While NFL scouts reportedly weren’t blown away by his pro day (and thus left him undrafted), Reid and the Chiefs clearly saw something worth inviting into the fold.

With Josh Simmons locked in and Graham Walker quietly grinding for a dream shot, the Chiefs’ rookie camp is a compelling blend of promise and legacy. One is the next piece in protecting the most valuable quarterback in football. The other? A longshot who just might be writing the first chapter of his own NFL story. And in Kansas City, both kinds of players matter.