Yoga, Tennis Balls, and Punches? The Wild Workout Routine Behind the Chiefs’ Top Draft Pick!

When the Kansas City Chiefs selected Josh Simmons with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, fans expected size, strength, and raw power. What they didn’t expect was yoga mats, tennis balls flying at full speed, and punch combos straight out of a boxing gym. But that’s exactly what makes Simmons different—and why some believe he could become one of the NFL’s most dominant left tackles.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Simmons is a physical marvel. But what’s truly turning heads inside the Chiefs’ facility isn’t his stature—it’s his approach. Instead of relying solely on heavy lifts and traditional lineman drills, Simmons has adopted a training regimen that blends discipline, finesse, and a few unorthodox tricks.

Bending Like a Warrior

Twice a week, you’ll find Simmons on a yoga mat, not a bench press. For him, yoga isn’t about relaxation—it’s about control. “Try holding a warrior pose after three hours of pass-blocking drills,” Simmons joked during rookie minicamp. “It’s a grind.”

Simmons believes yoga enhances his flexibility, helps reduce injury risk, and most importantly, trains his mind to stay calm under pressure. “When you’re lined up against elite edge rushers who want to rip your head off, you need more than muscle—you need balance and mental stillness,” he explained.

His yoga work has also improved his ability to mirror defenders’ movements, giving him an edge in one-on-one situations. Chiefs coaches have praised how quickly he’s adapted to NFL speed, crediting his mobility and core strength—both honed on the mat.

Boxer’s Hands, Lineman’s Job

Then there’s the tennis ball drill.

Borrowed from boxing, this routine has Simmons catching and deflecting tennis balls thrown at various speeds and angles while he practices pass-block punches. The goal is simple: increase hand speed, accuracy, and reaction time. “In football, especially in the trenches, your hands are everything,” Simmons said. “If they’re slow, you’re beat. If they’re precise, you win.”

During minicamp, observers noted how Simmons’ hands fired like pistons—quick, clean, and effective. “Most rookies react. Simmons anticipates,” said Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck. “He’s training at a different frequency.”

Beyond the Physical

Simmons is also a film junkie. He arrives early, stays late, journals every rep, and tracks everything from hydration to sleep cycles. He’s turned his preparation into a science. “He’s not just working harder—he’s working smarter,” a teammate remarked.

With Patrick Mahomes’ blind side in his care, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But Simmons, through his wild yet purposeful methods, is proving he’s more than ready. In a league where every inch counts, it’s the lineman with the tennis balls, yoga mat, and boxer’s mindset who might just have the edge.