Josh Simmons, a probable first-round choice and former Ohio State offensive tackle, discusses his injuries and departure from the

Josh Simmons, an offensive tackle who had become a fixture on the Ohio State offensive line, is a name that has gained considerable attention as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches. A probable first-round pick, Simmons’ journey from Ohio State to a potential spot in the NFL Draft is a story of triumph, adversity, and resilience. He is a player who has gone through significant struggles and injuries, and it is those trials that have shaped him into the player he is today.

Despite the promise and potential Simmons showed at Ohio State, his path to the NFL has not been without its challenges. His departure from the program, coupled with his battles with injuries, forced him to confront a difficult crossroads in his career. However, his story is one of perseverance, hard work, and the ability to overcome adversity. In this piece, we dive into Simmons’ journey, his injuries, and how he made the decision to leave Ohio State as a highly regarded prospect for the NFL Draft.

Josh Simmons: The Rising Star at Ohio State

Before diving into the struggles and challenges that ultimately led to Simmons’ departure, it’s important to reflect on how he arrived at Ohio State in the first place and why he became such a highly regarded prospect. Simmons, originally from California, was a top-tier recruit coming out of high school. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 315 pounds, he had the physicality that made him a coveted prospect for the Buckeyes. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism set him apart as one of the most promising offensive line recruits in the country.

Simmons’ arrival at Ohio State was met with high expectations. Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa was eager to add Simmons to a unit that had seen a considerable amount of success in recent seasons. Ohio State has long been known for its powerful and efficient offensive line, which has consistently helped power the team’s offense, especially in the running game. Simmons quickly proved that he could contribute to that unit. As a freshman, he showcased his ability to step in and protect the quarterback while also clearing paths for Ohio State’s running backs.

His sophomore season saw continued development, with Simmons earning more starting reps and making an impact in important games. He exhibited the rare combination of technique and raw power that made him a future star. As a result, his trajectory seemed to be on track to make him a potential first-round NFL Draft pick. With the Buckeyes regularly competing for national titles and producing top-tier talent for the NFL, it seemed like Simmons’ future was incredibly bright.

However, as is often the case in college football, the road to success is rarely a smooth one.

Injuries and Setbacks: A Major Hurdle

As Simmons continued to develop and improve at Ohio State, injuries began to derail his progress. Though his early years on the field were filled with flashes of excellence, injuries had a major impact on his time with the Buckeyes. His first significant injury came during his sophomore season, where he dealt with a nagging knee issue that required him to miss several games. This injury was not season-ending, but it significantly affected his ability to perform at his best, particularly in key matchups.

While Simmons was able to return to the field after rehabilitation, the toll the injury took on him was clear. His performance was not the same, and he found himself struggling to regain the same explosive movement and consistency that had made him such a highly sought-after recruit. His knee injury, while not a career-ending issue, was a constant reminder that injuries can be a brutal part of the game — even for the most promising athletes.

In addition to the knee issue, Simmons suffered a series of smaller injuries over the next year that continued to slow him down. Despite these setbacks, Simmons never lost his drive or desire to improve. He put in countless hours of rehab, working with Ohio State’s medical staff to get back on the field. His dedication to returning to form and proving his worth to the program and NFL scouts was admirable. However, it became evident that injuries were beginning to take their toll not only on his physical game but also on his mental and emotional well-being.

The constant cycle of injury, recovery, and frustration began to wear on Simmons, and he found himself questioning his future in college football. There were moments when he wondered if the road ahead would ever be smooth again. Yet, despite everything, he remained committed to getting back to playing at a high level.

The Decision to Depart from Ohio State

After several seasons of battling injuries, it was clear that Simmons’ path forward at Ohio State was uncertain. The Buckeyes had experienced success during his time with the program, and Simmons had seen significant playing time. But with the uncertainty surrounding his injuries and the added pressure to return to form, Simmons decided that it was time to leave the program and pursue a career in professional football.

Making the decision to leave Ohio State was not an easy one. Simmons had built deep relationships with his coaches, teammates, and the Ohio State community. It’s important to note that leaving a program like Ohio State, where success is a constant expectation, is a significant decision. Many players would have stayed at Ohio State in the hope of a healthy return, but Simmons recognized that he had the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft as a potential first-round pick — if he was able to prove that his injuries wouldn’t hinder his long-term career.

Simmons sat down with his family, coaches, and medical staff to weigh his options. He acknowledged that the injuries had taken a toll, but he also knew that his potential was still vast. He had a unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism that would make him a valuable asset for an NFL team. His decision to leave was based on the belief that he could pursue a professional career, fully recovered from his injuries, and make an immediate impact in the league.

Ultimately, Simmons decided to take that step, entering the NFL Draft with confidence in his ability to return to peak form. It wasn’t just the opportunity to play professionally that motivated him, but the chance to prove to himself that he could overcome his past struggles and show that he was capable of competing at the highest level.

The Road to the NFL Draft: Proving Himself

Leaving Ohio State and declaring for the NFL Draft marked a new chapter for Josh Simmons. In many ways, the Draft process became a test of his resilience and commitment. He knew that he would need to convince NFL teams that his injuries were behind him and that he had the ability to return to the elite form he had shown early in his career.

To prepare for the NFL Draft, Simmons committed himself to a rigorous training regimen. He worked with some of the top trainers in the country, focusing on strengthening his body and improving his agility. Every aspect of his game, from his footwork to his hand placement in pass protection, was meticulously reviewed and refined.

As he prepared for his pro day, Simmons faced immense pressure. Every team that came to evaluate him would be watching not only to see if he was physically recovered from his injuries but also to determine if he could be trusted to hold up in the high-impact world of the NFL. Simmons was aware of this pressure, but he used it as motivation to show that he could be a cornerstone offensive tackle at the next level.

When the day of his pro day arrived, Simmons left it all on the field. He demonstrated the athleticism and strength that made him such a highly sought-after recruit years earlier. His movements were fluid, his footwork sharp, and his power was evident in his drills. After the pro day, NFL scouts praised Simmons for his commitment to returning to full health and for his ability to perform under pressure.

Throughout the entire process, Simmons maintained a positive outlook, drawing on his experiences at Ohio State to fuel his drive. He knew that being a first-round pick was still within reach, but he also understood that it would require continued dedication and hard work.

Looking Forward: A Bright Future in the NFL

Josh Simmons’ story is one of resilience and determination. His injuries were significant setbacks, but they also gave him the opportunity to reflect, improve, and ultimately grow as a player. By making the decision to leave Ohio State and pursue his dreams of playing in the NFL, Simmons took ownership of his career, putting himself in the best position to succeed.

With the 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon, Simmons is widely regarded as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the class. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill make him an appealing choice for any team looking to bolster its offensive line. The struggles he faced with injuries will not define him; rather, it is his resilience and drive that will set him apart as a future standout in the NFL.

Though his journey was far from easy, Josh Simmons has proven that with hard work and perseverance, it is possible to overcome adversity and reach new heights. His departure from Ohio State may have been difficult, but it was a necessary step in his development. As he prepares for the NFL Draft, one thing is certain: Josh Simmons is ready to take on the next challenge in his football career.