Chiefs fans take offense as Ty Simpson fires ‘nonsense’ shot at Arrowhead Stadium

Ty Simpson was far from blown away by his first experience of Arrowhead Stadium.

The Los Angeles Rams rookie impressed with a two touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this month, and was by far the best quarterback on the field in a 20-12 preseason win on August 15.

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Simpson, a polarizing 2026 draft selection for the Rams at No. 13, went 21-of-25 for 190 yards and two scores to earn a QBR of 125 in his first NFL appearance.

He played so well, perhaps, because he felt right at home.

Ty Simpson upsets Chiefs fans with Arrowhead comments

Speaking Saturday, following his home debut in a 34-0 blowout win against the New Orleans Saints, Simpson was asked his opinion on the differences between Arrowhead and SoFi Stadium.

He suggested that playing in Kansas City reminded him of college, while the more modern facility in Los Angeles has a real NFL feel.

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“Arrowhead is kind of like a college stadium in a sense of the college environment outside,” Simpson said.

“Here, it gave a really good NFL vibe.”

Simpson’s verdict was simple, and perhaps fair.

Arrowhead opened in 1972 and has been home to the Chiefs ever since.

It’s steeped in NFL history, and creates one of the best atmospheres in the league, but it’s a much different vibe to the modern buildings many teams play in these days.

The Chiefs, of course, have big plans to move out to a $4 billion domed stadium of their own, which would bring them more in line with the Rams.

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Simpson meant no offense with his comments, which could actually be seen as a compliment — but that didn’t stop Chiefs Kingdom from making him public enemy No. 1.

“Keep the mics away from rookies and their nonsense takes,” one wrote on X, responding to Simpson’s interview.

“What a jack*** comment. It’s preseason dude, half the stadium was being filled after halftime,” another said.

“What does he know about playing in an NFL stadium? Whether he meant that as a compliment or an insult, that’s a dumb comment to make,” a third wrote.

“I guess Ty Simpson didn’t look at his own roster. He should ask (Trent) McDuffie and (Jaylen) Watson if Arrowhead felt like a ‘college stadium’ during the playoffs,” a fourth said.

“Talking s*** when he hasn’t even played a regular season snap yet,” a fifth suggested.

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Simpson has clearly rattled some in the Chiefs fan base, and he’s also making plenty of waves on the field too.

Will Ty Simpson be Rams backup in 2026?

While reigning MVP Matthew Stafford is the undoubted starter in Los Angeles, Simpson is battling Stetson Bennett for the backup role.

Both players have impressed in preseason, with the rookie shining at Arrowhead, and the veteran throwing 181 yards against the Saints, while running in two touchdowns.

Head coach Sean McVay is expected to make a final decision on his backup as August comes to a close, and has hinted that Bennett is inching closer to the role.

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“I think he’s getting better and better,” Sean McVay said of his veteran, who is entering his fourth year with the team.

“Part of it is the overall command. I thought he made some really good decisions. I thought he got through some progressions. Then I love the fact that he used his legs.”

Bennett was already expected to win the backup job heading into the weekend’s action, and his performance against the Saints appears to have solidified that suggestion.

Simpson, meanwhile, looks likely to be the developmental understudy in his rookie season.

He wasn’t blown away by his trip to Arrowhead, but might not get to suit up in many stadiums beyond it in 2026.