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Phil Simms
Phil Simms
Phil Simms
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Phillip Martin Simms (born November 3, 1955) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the New York Giants. After playing college football for the Morehead State Eagles, Simms was selected in the first round by the Giants as the seventh overall pick in the 1979 NFL draft. Simms was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Super Bowl XXI, after he led the Giants to a 39–20 win over the Denver Broncos and set the record for highest completion percentage in a Super Bowl, completing 22 of 25 passes (88%), as well as the highest passer rating in a Super Bowl at 150.9; both of these records still stand. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for his performances in the 1985 and 1993 seasons.

Key Information

He finished his career with 33,462 passing yards and would go on to be a career broadcaster of NFL games—first as an analyst for ESPN, then as an in-game color commentator with NBC and CBS. He left CBS in 2024.[3] He is the father of former NFL quarterback, assistant coach, and current NFL football analyst Chris Simms and former quarterback Matt Simms.

Early life

[edit]

Simms was born in Springfield, Kentucky, on his grandfather's farm, a place now called Maple Hill Manor in Washington County, where he attended St. Dominic's Elementary. While in elementary school, his family moved to Louisville and he went to St. Rita Catholic grade school. Simms was the quarterback of the Trojans of Southern High School in Louisville and graduated in 1974.

College career

[edit]

Simms chose to attend NCAA Division I FCS (formerly Division 1 AA) Morehead State of the Ohio Valley Conference in nearby Morehead.

The Morehead State Eagles ran a ball-control offense,[4] and Simms' numbers were unspectacular—in his senior season he completed 92 of 173 passes for a 53.2% completion percentage and had six touchdown passes, 11 interceptions, and 1,229 yards.[4] The Ohio Valley moved up to the new Division I-AA in 1978, but the Eagles went 2–6–1; they failed to make the postseason during his college career.[4] Simms finished with 409 completions in 835 attempts for a 48.9% completion percentage.[4] He also totaled 32 touchdowns, 45 interceptions, and a school-record 5,545 yards.[4] Morehead State renamed its football venue of Jayne Stadium to Phil Simms Stadium prior to the Eagles' 2025 homecoming game on October 18.[5]

Professional career

[edit]

NFL draft

[edit]

Before the 1979 NFL draft, new San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh flew to Morehead State with assistant coach Sam Wyche to work out Simms.[6] Walsh was so impressed that he planned to draft Simms in the third round, preferring him over the quarterback they ultimately took, Joe Montana of Notre Dame.[7] But the New York Giants decided to make Simms their first round pick (seventh overall) to the surprise of many.[8] As Simms acknowledged, "most people have never heard of me."[8] When Simms's name was announced by Commissioner Pete Rozelle in front of the audience at the draft in New York, his selection was booed loudly by the Giants fans in attendance.[9][10] He was the second quarterback taken; Jack Thompson of Washington State went to Cincinnati with the third overall pick. Simms was not then happy being a Giant either, "All I was thinking was which teams I would rather play for—the Green Bay Packers, the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego, San Francisco..."[11] But he became popular with his teammates, who jokingly dubbed him "Prince Valiant" in his rookie training camp.[12]

Rookie year

[edit]

Simms won the first five starts of his rookie year in 1979;[13] finishing with a 6–4 record, threw for 1,743 yards and 13 touchdown passes, and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.[14] He was runner-up for Rookie of the Year, behind future teammate Ottis Anderson.[15]

Early career: 1980–1986

[edit]

Simms' next four years were marred by injuries and inconsistent play. He finished the 1980 season with 15 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, while completing a subpar 48.0% of his passes for 2,321 yards.[16] In 1981, Simms threw for 2,031 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions on 54.4% completion percentage[16] before suffering a separated shoulder in a November 15 loss to the Washington Redskins.[17] With Simms out, the Giants went on a run led by Scott Brunner and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Simms suffered a torn knee ligament in a preseason game against the New York Jets, preventing him from playing the entire 1982 season.[18] Following the season, Ray Perkins resigned as head coach to take over the same position at the University of Alabama, and was replaced by the team's defensive coordinator Bill Parcells. In the coming years this change would prove crucial to the Giants and Simms.

One of Parcells' first decisions as coach was to replace Simms as the starting quarterback with Brunner.[19] Simms asked to be traded after the benching, but his request was ignored.[20] During the sixth game of the Giants' 1983 Season, Simms came in to replace the struggling Brunner against the Philadelphia Eagles. On his third drive, Simms suffered a season-ending injury when the thumb on his throwing hand hit a player's helmet on his follow-through. The injury was reported as a dislocation, but according to the book, Simms to McConkey, written by Phil McConkey, Simms, and Dick Schaap, the injury was much more severe, with the thumb literally hanging off after impact, and the bone sticking out through the skin.[21]

During his first few years on the team, Giants fans were merciless in their treatment of Simms, who they felt was a disappointment. He commented that his wife "had to sit up in the stands and listen to them cuss me."[20] However, in 1984, after many seasons plagued by injuries and up-and-down play, Simms finally emerged as a team offensive leader. During his 1983 injury, offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt talked Simms into watching more game film, something he had not regularly done in college or the pros. He gained a better understanding of NFL defenses, his team's formations, and pass protection schemes, and improved his ability to audible at the line of scrimmage. He also changed his strength training regimen in an attempt to make his body more resistant to injury.[22] He passed for 4,044 yards (second most in the National Football Conference (NFC)), 22 touchdown passes, and led the Giants to a playoff berth.[23]

He was voted to the Pro Bowl and named Pro Bowl MVP[16] as he led the NFC to a comeback win over the American Football Conference (AFC) by throwing three touchdowns. In 1985, he passed for 3,829 yards, 22 touchdowns,[16] and led the Giants to 10 victories, the most for a Giants team since 1963.[24] In a game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 1985 season, Simms passed for 513 yards—the fifth most passing yards in a single game in NFL history.[25] In 1986, he passed for 3,487 yards and 21 touchdown passes during a season in which the Giants won 14 games. In week 11, he completed a desperate fourth-and-17 pass to Bobby Johnson late in the game to set up Raul Allegre's game-winning field goal, which gave the Giants a 22–20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.[26] Simms later commented:[27]

It's my favorite game in my career, because it's everything I always wanted to be as a player. I wanted to be tough, making big throws, immune to pressure, not worried about outcomes. It was truly like standing on the tee box in golf and there's trees on each side and water and you just go 'Man, I'm gonna rip it down the middle.' And no other thought crosses your mind.

Simms at the White House following the Giants Super Bowl XXI victory.

On January 25, 1987, the Giants faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI. In the biggest game of his life, Simms had one of the finest performances in Super Bowl history.[28] He completed 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards, setting Super Bowl records for consecutive completions (10),[29] accuracy (88%),[29] and passer rating (150.9).[30] In addition, he threw 3 touchdown passes and his passer rating set an NFL postseason record.[30] "This might be the best game a quarterback has ever played", Giants coach Bill Parcells later said.[31] Two of the most famous plays from the game were the flea flicker to McConkey, and the touchdown pass caught by McConkey off of the fingertips of Giants tight end, Mark Bavaro.[32] The Giants defeated the Broncos 39–20, and Simms was named MVP of Super Bowl XXI. He is credited for being the first to use the phrase "I'm going to Disney World!" following a championship victory.[33]

Later career: 1987–1993

[edit]

Simms performed well in the strike-shortened 1987 NFL season, finishing with the second highest quarterback rating in the NFC.[34] He threw for 2,230 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.[16] He passed for 3,359 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 54.9% of his passes in the 1988 season.[16] The Giants rebounded from a 6–9 record in 1987 to finish 10–6[24] but fell just short of the playoffs due to the NFL tie-breaker system. In 1989, the Giants started 8–1 and finished 12–4, Simms passed for 3,061 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions on 56.3% completion percentage.[16] He performed consistently most of the season except for a two-game stretch against the Eagles and 49ers where he produced seven turnovers, six of which resulted in points for the opposition.[35] He also struggled in the Giants' playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, and the Giants lost 19–13. In 1990, Simms was having one of his finest seasons, leading the NFC with the highest quarterback rating (92.7)[36] and the Giants to an 11–3 record, but his season was cut short due to a broken foot suffered in the Week 15 game against the Giants' eventual Super Bowl XXV opponent, the Buffalo Bills. The Giants defeated the Bills 20–19 in the Super Bowl with Jeff Hostetler filling in at quarterback.

After the Giants' Super Bowl victory, Parcells resigned and was replaced by the team's running backs coach, Ray Handley.[37] One of Handley's first decisions was to select Hostetler as the team's starting quarterback following his performance in Super Bowl XXV.[37] Simms saw only spot action in two games prior to Week 13, when Hostetler broke his back in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Simms finished the game and reclaimed the starting job, but won only once in his remaining four starts as the Giants failed to return to the playoffs at 8–8.

Simms was named the starter for the 1992 season after beating out Hostetler for the job in preseason. Simms suffered a severe arm injury in a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Raiders and missed the remainder of the season. Between the 1991 and 1992 seasons, he amassed a combined 1,905 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while completing 59.3% of his passes.[16] The Giants finished the 1992 season at 6–10, which led to Handley's firing and the hiring of former Denver Broncos coach Dan Reeves. As part of an overall house cleaning, Reeves released Hostetler and named Simms his starting quarterback.[38] Simms started all 16 games in 1993, being one of only seven quarterbacks to do so, and led the Giants to a resurgent 11–5 season including a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs.[39] He underwent shoulder surgery after the 1993 NFL season to repair a torn labrum. The surgery was successful, and team doctor Russell F. Warren's prognosis for recovery was excellent, and Simms was expected to be ready in time for training camp.[40] However, later during that offseason, Simms was released by the Giants, and subsequently decided to retire. Upon his release, co-owner Wellington Mara called it "a day of overwhelming sadness."[41] In an interview in the 2024 documentary "The Duke: The Giant Life of Wellington Mara", Simms recalled that Mara didn't agree with the decision to let him go and was willing to make changes to the front office to ensure Simms stayed, but Simms declined saying it would just make it worse.

Simms considered playing for the Cardinals in 1994 and the Browns in 1995, but eventually decided to stay retired.[42][43]

In his 14 seasons with the Giants, Simms completed 2,576 out of 4,647 passes for 33,462 yards and 199 touchdowns.[16] His career passing yardage total ranked him at 11th in NFL history at the time of his retirement.[44] He added 349 carries for 1,252 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground.[16] He set team records for most passes completed and attempted in one game (40 and 62, respectively), season (286, 533), and career (2,576, 4,647), most career touchdown passes (199) and most 300-yard games in a career (21).[45] Simms still owns some of the New York Giants passing records, although Eli Manning has surpassed most of them: season passes (387 completed, 618 attempted), career completed passes (4,895), career touchdowns (366), career 300-yard games (53).[46][47] Sports Illustrated considered Simms to be the "Most Underrated Quarterback" in NFL history in their August 27, 2001, issue entitled, "The Most Overrated and Underrated".[7]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Super Bowl MVP
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg
1979 NYG 12 11 6–5 134 265 50.6 1,743 6.6 13 14 66.0
1980 NYG 13 13 3–10 193 402 48.0 2,321 5.8 15 19 58.9
1981 NYG 10 10 5–5 172 316 54.4 2,031 6.4 11 9 74.0
1983 NYG 2 0 — 7 13 53.8 130 10.0 0 1 56.6
1984 NYG 16 16 9–7 286 533 53.7 4,044 7.6 22 18 78.1
1985 NYG 16 16 10–6 275 495 55.6 3,829 7.7 22 20 78.6
1986 NYG 16 16 14–2 259 468 55.3 3,487 7.5 21 22 74.6
1987 NYG 9 9 4–5 163 282 57.8 2,230 7.9 17 9 90.0
1988 NYG 15 15 9–6 253 479 54.9 3,359 7.0 21 11 82.1
1989 NYG 15 15 11–4 228 405 56.3 3,061 7.6 14 14 77.6
1990 NYG 14 14 11–3 184 311 59.2 2,284 7.3 15 4 92.7
1991 NYG 6 4 1–3 82 141 58.3 993 7.0 8 4 87.0
1992 NYG 4 4 1–3 83 137 60.6 812 6.7 5 3 83.3
1993 NYG 16 16 11–5 247 400 61.8 3,038 7.6 15 9 88.3
Total 164 159 95–64 2,576 4,647 55.4 33,462 7.2 199 157 78.5

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg
1984 NYG 2 2 1–1 47 75 62.7 397 5.3 0 2 65.2
1985 NYG 2 2 1–1 29 66 67.1 390 5.9 2 1 67.1
1986 NYG 3 3 3–0 38 58 65.5 494 8.5 8 0 131.8
1989 NYG 1 1 0–1 14 29 48.3 180 6.2 0 1 53.8
1990 NYG 0 0 Did not play due to injury
1993 NYG 2 2 1–1 29 51 56.9 218 4.3 0 2 50.9
Total 10 10 6–4 157 279 56.3 1,679 6.0 10 6 77.0

Giants franchise records

[edit]

As of the 2017 NFL off-season, Simms still held at least 13 Giants franchise records, including:[48]

  • Most Passing Yards (game): 513 (1985-10-13 @CIN)
  • Most Passing Yards (game, as a rookie): 300 (1979-10-14 SFO)
  • Most Intercepted (rookie season): 14 (1979; tied with Joe Pisarcik)
  • Best Passer Rating (playoff season): 131.8 (1986)
  • Best Passer Rating (playoff game): 150.9 (1987-01-25 DEN)
  • Most Sacked (career): 477
  • Most Sacked (season): 55 (1984)
  • Most Sacked (game): 9 (1981-11-01 NYJ)
  • Most Sacked (playoff game): 6 (1984-12-29 @SFO and 1986-01-05 @CHI; tied with Eli Manning)
  • Most Sacked (rookie season): 39 (1979)
  • Most Yds/Pass Att (game): 13.63 (1984-09-02 PHI)
  • Most Yds/Pass Att (playoff game): 10.72 (1987-01-25 DEN)
  • Most 300+ yard passing games (rookie season): 1

Post NFL career

[edit]
Simms (center) during a CBS broadcast in 2019

On September 4, 1995, Simms' jersey was retired in a halftime ceremony of a game versus the Dallas Cowboys. During an emotional speech, Simms stated that he wanted to don his jersey one final time, and throw "one more pass" to teammate Lawrence Taylor.[49] Simms later commented, "[a]ll of a sudden it kind of hit me, I've put Lawrence in a really tough spot; national TV, he's got dress shoes and a sports jacket on, and he's had a few beers and he's going to run down the field and I'm going to throw him a pass."[50] Simms then motioned for Taylor to run a longer pattern, and after 30–40 yards, threw him the pass. Taylor later stated that the situation made him more nervous than any play of his career, "I'm saying to myself (as the pass is being thrown), 'If I drop this pass, I got to run my black ass all the way to Upper Saddle River because there ain't no way I'm going to be able to stay in that stadium'."[50] Taylor caught the pass however, and the capacity crowd in attendance cheered in approval.[51]

After his retirement as a player in 1994, Simms first joined ESPN then went on to join NBC's lead broadcast crew, teaming with Dick Enberg and Paul Maguire on NBC's coverage of Super Bowl XXX and Super Bowl XXXII. Simms also announced weightlifting at the 1996 Summer Olympics and served as a sideline reporter on the NBA on NBC for NBC Sports.[52] In 1998, he moved to CBS with the AFC package, teaming first with Greg Gumbel (through the end of the 2003 season) and later with Jim Nantz on the CBS's lead broadcast team. He also worked with Armen Keteyian, Bonnie Bernstein, Lesley Visser, and Tracy Wolfson. Since 2009, he has been a host of Inside the NFL on Showtime (another CBS holding) with James Brown and Cris Collinsworth. In 2017, he was replaced by Tony Romo as a color commentator and joined the CBS pregame show The NFL Today.[53][54] He left CBS after his contract expired at the end of the 2023 season. Simms has also worked on Westwood One as an analyst for select games in 2024.[55] Simms returned to NBC Sports as a college football analyst in 2025.[56]

Simms joined WFAN's Boomer and Gio as a weekly guest in 2024.[57]

Simms was part of the commentary team along with Nantz in the Madden NFL 13, 25, 15, and 16 video games.

Outside of football broadcasting, Simms co-hosted the Miss Universe 2002 pageant with actress and model Daisy Fuentes. He made an appearance as himself on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns in 2007, and in February 2010 made an appearance on The Price Is Right (with Nantz) to present a Super Bowl XLIV showcase. In the same month, he appeared as himself (again with Nantz) on the How I Met Your Mother episode "Rabbit or Duck". On November 13, 2014, Simms appeared uncredited on the episode "Just a Regular Irregular" of the CBS television series Elementary. Simms' cameo was as a consultant to Sherlock Holmes in the art of knife throwing. Furthermore, Simms was forced to settle a debt with Holmes by loaning him a Super Bowl ring for the purpose of advancing the investigation.[58]

Personal life

[edit]

Simms and his wife, Diana, live in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. They have three children: Chris, Deirdre, and Matt. His son-in-law is former NFL linebacker Brian Toal, who was schoolmates with Matt.[59] Simms is fond of New Jersey, remarking in 1987: "I wasn't overjoyed about coming to New York. When I thought of New York, I thought of New York City. But out here, it's just like anywhere else."[20]

In 2011, Simms was inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.[60]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Phil Simms

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Philip Martin Simms (born November 3, 1955) is a former who spent his entire 15-year professional career with the of the (NFL), leading the team to two victories and earning recognition as one of the franchise's most iconic players before transitioning to a prominent role as a sports broadcaster. Born in , Simms attended , where he played from 1975 to 1978, earning Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors in 1977 after passing for 5,545 yards and 32 touchdowns over his career. Selected by the Giants as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the , Simms quickly established himself as the team's starting , appearing in 164 games and setting numerous franchise passing records at the time of his retirement, including in completions (2,576) and touchdowns (199). During his tenure with the Giants from 1979 to 1993, Simms guided the team to in 1987, where he was named MVP after completing 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns in a 39–20 victory over the , and to in 1991, securing a 20–19 win against the . He was selected to the twice, in 1985 (where he was also named MVP) and 1993, and earned first-team honors in 1986. Simms' jersey number 11 was retired by the Giants in 1994, and he was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995 for his contributions to both college and professional football. Following his retirement, Simms joined CBS Sports in 1998 as a lead game analyst, serving as a lead game analyst and calling eight Super Bowls from 1996 to 2016, four of them alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz for CBS (2007–2016), and serving as a studio analyst on The NFL Today. Following the 2016 season, Simms transitioned to studio analysis at CBS, continuing until 2023. In 2025, he returned to NBC Sports to call select Big Ten college football games. Prior to CBS, he worked as a game analyst for NBC from 1995 to 1998, including coverage of Super Bowls XXX and XXXII, and contributed to ESPN and NBC's Olympic broadcasts. Simms also authored the New York Times bestseller Sunday Morning Quarterback in 2004, sharing insights from his playing and broadcasting experiences.

Early Life and Education

Early Life and High School

Phillip Martin Simms was born on November 3, 1955, in , on his grandfather's 399-acre tobacco . As the fifth of eight children—five boys and three girls—he grew up in a close-knit, working-class family amid the bluegrass region's rural landscape. His father, William "Willie" Simms, was a former minor-league who worked demanding factory jobs at places like Tobacco Company and later farmed to support the family after being laid off. His mother, Barbara, operated machinery at the same tobacco plant and , managing the household while sewing clothes for her children. The family relocated to Louisville when Phil was five years old following a dispute over farm profits, settling first in a two-story redbrick farmhouse and later in a modest three-bedroom house in the Okolona suburb. Simms' early interest in sports was deeply influenced by his family's emphasis on hard work and the vibrant local culture, including annual trips to for the . With seven siblings, he spent much of his childhood playing and other games on the farm and in Louisville neighborhoods, fostering a competitive spirit under his father's tough guidance. Willie instilled a rigorous , pushing Phil to contribute through chores and odd jobs from a young age; by nine, Simms was delivering newspapers at 5 a.m., rain or shine, to earn money for his own needs. This environment, combined with the region's passion for and football, sparked his dedication to athletics despite initial physical challenges—Simms was not the largest or fastest prospect, relying instead on determination and skill to stand out. At Southern High School in Louisville's Okolona area, Simms excelled as a for the Trojans, leading the team to the 1974 Jefferson County Football Championship during his senior year. He also played third base on the team, earning a offer from for that sport. Graduating in 1974, Simms' high school performances highlighted his arm strength and intelligence, though his lack of elite size and speed limited interest from major programs—Morehead State was the only school to offer him a football .

College Career

Phil Simms attended , a small program in the (OVC), where he played quarterback for the Eagles football team from 1975 to 1978 after arriving from Louisville Southern High School. Despite the team's ball-control offense and modest overall success, Simms lettered all four years and emerged as a standout performer in a program that rarely achieved winning records. Over his college career, Simms completed 409 of 835 passes for 5,545 yards and 32 touchdowns, establishing school records for career passing yards that stood as a testament to his arm strength and leadership in a run-oriented system. His senior year in 1978 saw the Eagles finish with a 2-6-1 record, but Simms' contributions highlighted his potential beyond the Division II level. In recognition of his efficiency and impact, he was selected as the OVC Player of the Year in 1977 and earned All-OVC First-Team honors that season. Simms balanced his athletic commitments with academics and campus life at Morehead State, a close-knit institution where he later completed his Bachelor of University Studies degree in 2015. His time there exemplified the challenges and rewards of competing in a smaller program, fostering resilience that defined his path forward. In October 2025, during homecoming weekend, Morehead State honored his legacy by officially renaming its football stadium as Phil Simms Stadium, a dedication ceremony that celebrated his enduring contributions to the university.

Professional Football Career

NFL Draft and Rookie Season

In the , Phil Simms was selected by the with the seventh overall pick in the first round, marking a surprise choice from the small Division II program at . Scouting reports had rated him as the second- or third-best prospect available, highlighting his strong arm and potential leadership qualities that stood out despite his unconventional college background. The selection drew immediate backlash from Giants fans, who booed loudly upon the announcement by Commissioner , reflecting skepticism about passing on more prominent prospects like . Simms, George Young's first draft pick as , faced intense scrutiny in the high-pressure New York media environment from the outset. As a rookie in 1979, Simms began the season as the backup to incumbent starter Joe Pisarcik, learning the professional game under veteran guidance while adjusting to the NFL's greater physicality and speed. He entered the starting lineup after five games amid Pisarcik's struggles and a Week 4 arm injury that briefly affected Simms but did not end his season. Simms ultimately started 11 of the Giants' 16 games, completing 134 of 265 passes for 1,743 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, with a 50.6% completion rate. His efforts contributed to a 6-5 record in his starts, though the team finished 6-10 overall, underscoring the transitional challenges of his debut year amid ongoing media criticism and the demands of playing in New York.

Early Years (1979–1986)

Phil Simms solidified his role as the starting quarterback for the in 1980 under head coach , appearing in all 13 games and throwing for 2,321 yards with 15 touchdowns, though he struggled with 19 interceptions. His performance helped the team improve to a 4-12 record, but injuries began to plague him early, including a collarbone issue that limited his practice time. In 1981, Simms passed for 2,031 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 starts, showing improved efficiency with a 54.4% completion rate and only nine interceptions, contributing to the Giants' 9-7 finish and their first playoff berth since 1963. However, a season-ending shoulder separation sidelined him for the final six games, forcing backup to start the wild-card victory over the . Simms built a strong rapport with Earnest Gray during this period, as Gray led the team with 66 receptions for 1,139 yards in 1981. The 1982 season was a complete loss for Simms due to a severe injury sustained in the preseason, requiring and causing him to miss all games amid the NFL players' strike-shortened year. Perkins departed for the after the season, and took over as in 1983, initially benching Simms in favor of Brunner. Simms appeared in only two games that year, completing 7 of 13 passes for 130 yards before suffering a compound fracture of his right thumb against the , which ended his season and contributed to the Giants' dismal 3-12-1 record. Simms rebounded strongly in 1984 under Parcells, starting all 16 games and throwing for a career-high 4,044 yards with 22 touchdowns, though he still threw 18 interceptions as the Giants finished 9-7. The following year, 1985, saw further progress with 3,829 yards and 22 touchdowns in 16 starts, achieving a 55.6% completion rate despite 20 interceptions; he earned his first selection and was named the game's MVP after leading the NFC to victory. However, offensive line struggles led to the team posting a 10-6 record and an early wild-card exit against the . Over the 1979–1986 period, Simms accumulated more than 17,500 passing yards despite frequent injuries, transitioning from an interception-prone (with 14 picks in 1979) to a more accurate passer, reaching a 55.3% completion rate by 1986. Under Perkins and then Parcells, the Giants evolved from consistent losers to playoff contenders, laying the foundation for sustained success through Simms' resilience and growing leadership.

Later Years and Super Bowl Success (1987–1993)

In the 1986 season, Simms guided the to a 14-2 record, passing for 3,487 yards and 21 touchdowns while demonstrating improved accuracy and decision-making under pressure. The Giants advanced through the playoffs, defeating the 49-3 in the divisional round and shutting out the Washington Redskins 17-0 in the . Culminating in , Simms delivered a masterful performance against the on January 25, 1987, completing 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, achieving an 88% completion rate and earning Super Bowl MVP honors in a 39-20 victory. The 1987 season was disrupted by a 24-day players' strike, resulting in three games played with replacement players, though Simms returned with the union and threw for 2,230 yards and 17 touchdowns across 9 games, as the Giants finished with a 5-10 record and missed the . In 1988, he posted 3,359 yards and 21 touchdowns, contributing to a 10-6 record and playoff appearance despite defensive inconsistencies. The following year, a sprained right ankle in November occurred but did not prevent Simms from starting 15 games, where he managed 3,061 yards and 14 touchdowns, as the Giants ended 12-4 without advancing deep in the postseason. Simms' resilience, honed from overcoming early career injuries like a 1982 knee issue, shone in 1990 as he passed for 2,284 yards and 15 touchdowns before suffering a broken foot in December against the , sidelining him for the . Backup led the Giants to victories over the Bears and 49ers in the NFC , including a 15-13 NFC Championship win, en route to a 20-19 triumph over the Bills, earning Simms his second ring as a roster member. Limited by injuries in 1991 and 1992—throwing just 1,905 combined yards—Simms rebounded in 1993 with 3,038 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning his second selection and helping the Giants to an 11-5 record before retiring after offseason shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, concluding his 15-season tenure. Over this period, Simms amassed more than 15,000 passing yards, showcasing refined pocket presence that minimized sacks and turnovers in critical moments. His leadership contributed to two Super Bowl championships and two NFC Championship Game appearances for the Giants (1986 and 1990), solidifying his legacy as a clutch performer.

Career Statistics and Records

Regular Season Statistics

Phil Simms played 15 seasons in the NFL, all with the New York Giants from 1979 to 1993, appearing in 164 regular season games and starting 156. Over his career, he recorded 4,647 passing attempts, 2,576 completions for a 55.4% completion percentage, 33,462 passing yards, 199 touchdowns, 157 interceptions, and a 78.5 passer rating. Simms' regular season performance varied year to year, influenced by injuries and team dynamics. His statistical peaks included 4,044 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in 1984, leading the Giants to a 9-7 record, while in 1985 he threw for 3,829 yards and another 22 touchdowns. The 1986 season saw him post 3,487 yards and 21 touchdowns amid a league-high 22 interceptions, contributing to the Giants' 14-2 campaign. A notable low came in 1983, when a season-ending injury limited him to two games, with just 13 attempts, 7 completions, and 130 yards. The following table summarizes Simms' regular season passing statistics by year:
YearGamesAttCmpCmp%YdsTDIntRate
19791226513450.61,743131466.0
19801340219348.02,321151958.9
19811031617254.42,03111974.0
1983213753.81300156.6
19841653328653.74,044221878.1
19851649527555.63,829222078.6
19861646825955.33,487212274.6
1987928216357.82,23017990.0
19881547926354.93,359211182.1
19891540522856.33,061141477.6
19901431118459.22,28415492.7
199161418258.29938487.0
199241378360.69125383.3
19931640024761.83,03815988.3
Career1644,6472,57655.433,46219915778.5
Simms showed clear trends in efficiency over his career, with his completion percentage improving from 50.6% as a in 1979 to 59.2% in 1990, reflecting better decision-making and protection. His career yards per attempt stood at 7.2, indicating solid aerial production despite an era of defensive-heavy schemes. In addition to passing, Simms contributed modestly on the ground, rushing 349 times for 1,252 yards and 6 touchdowns over his career. He also fumbled 93 times, a figure contextualized by the high-volume passing style of the and early . Among New York Giants quarterbacks, Simms ranks second historically in career passing yards (33,462), attempts (4,647), completions (2,576), and touchdowns (199), behind Eli Manning, underscoring his volume as the franchise's primary starter for over a decade.

Postseason Statistics

Phil Simms participated in 10 postseason games over his NFL career with the New York Giants, achieving a 6-4 record as the starting quarterback. His overall playoff passing statistics feature 157 completions on 279 attempts (56.3% completion rate), 1,679 yards, 10 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 77.0 passer rating. Simms' postseason performances highlighted his ability to elevate in pressure situations, particularly during the Giants' championship runs, where he often posted higher completion rates and minimized turnovers compared to his regular-season averages of 55.4% completion and a 78.5 .

Key Postseason Games

DateGameOpponentResultCompletions/AttemptsYardsTDsINTs
January 4, 1987NFC Divisional RoundW 49-39/1913640111.0
January 11, 1987NFC ChampionshipWashington RedskinsW 17-07/14901094.3
January 25, 1987W 39-2022/2526830150.9
In , Simms set records for completion percentage (88%) and consecutive completions (10), earning MVP honors for his error-free outing that propelled the Giants to their first title. His four-touchdown effort in the 1986 divisional rout of the 49ers underscored his big-play capability in elimination games. Simms threw no interceptions across the three-game 1986 playoff gauntlet, a trend of ball security in high-stakes contests that defined his 4-1 record in games with playoff implications for advancement. Although an injury limited him after the 1990 divisional win, his contributions across multiple postseason appearances established him as a reliable performer in the Giants' title pursuits.

New York Giants Franchise Records

Phil Simms established numerous franchise passing records during his 15-year tenure from 1979 to 1993, many of which stood as benchmarks for over two decades before being surpassed by . Simms concluded his career as the Giants' all-time leader in pass attempts with 4,647, completions with 2,576, passing yards with 33,462, and passing touchdowns with 199, reflecting his role as the primary starter in 164 games. These marks underscored his durability and productivity, contributing to a 95-64 regular-season record as the team's . As of the 2025 season, Simms ranks second in all four categories behind Manning, who accumulated 8,119 attempts, 4,895 completions, 57,023 yards, and 366 touchdowns over his Giants career. In postseason play, Simms' performances added to his legacy, though career totals have been eclipsed. He recorded 157 completions on 279 attempts for 1,679 yards and 10 touchdowns across 10 playoff games, helping the Giants secure two victories. A highlight was his performance in 1987, where he completed 22 of 25 passes (88%) for 268 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, setting a franchise record for completion percentage in a playoff game and earning MVP honors. This 88% mark remains the highest in Giants playoff history for games with at least 20 attempts. Simms also holds select single-game and single-season distinctions within the franchise. On October 13, 1985, he threw for a then-franchise-record 513 yards against the , completing 40 of 62 passes—a completions mark later broken by in 2015, but the yardage total endures as the Giants' single-game high as of 2025. His 164 career starts represent one of the longest tenures for a Giants , laying the groundwork for the team's success in the and early , including four playoff appearances and two championships. In recognition of these contributions, Simms was inducted into the Giants in 2010.
CategorySimms' Stat (Rank as of 2025)Leader's Stat
Pass Attempts4,647 (2nd): 8,119
Completions2,576 (2nd): 4,895
Passing Yards33,462 (2nd): 57,023
Passing Touchdowns199 (2nd): 366

Broadcasting and Post-Football Career

Early Broadcasting Roles

Following his release from the New York Giants in June 1994, Phil Simms retired from a 15-year career, taking a brief hiatus before entering later that year. Simms debuted in media as a studio analyst for ESPN's during the 1994 season, marking his initial foray into providing pregame analysis and commentary. In 1995, he transitioned to as an NFL game analyst, partnering with play-by-play announcer and fellow analyst on the network's top broadcast team; this role lasted through 1998 and included coverage of in 1996 and in 1998. Throughout these early roles, Simms adjusted to the demands of media scrutiny while building a reputation for his straightforward style and quarterback-specific insights, often leveraging his on-field experience to offer in-depth game analysis and conduct player interviews.

Long-Term Roles at Major Networks

Phil Simms established a prominent presence in sports broadcasting during his extended tenure at , spanning from 1998 to 2024 as a lead color analyst and studio contributor. Joining in 1998, he initially partnered with play-by-play announcer through the 2003 season before teaming with beginning in 2004 for 13 seasons until 2016, during which they called key matchups including eight s (XXXV, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLI, XLIII, XLIV, XLVII, and L). In total, Simms contributed to eight Super Bowl broadcasts for as a game analyst, adding two more in a studio analyst capacity for Super Bowls LV and LVIII. His role evolved in 2017 when replaced him as lead game analyst, shifting Simms to the studio show , where he provided expert commentary alongside hosts like and analysts including until 2024. Simms took on notable assignments that highlighted his versatility, including serving as the color analyst for CBS's coverage of from 2014 to 2017, where he again partnered with Nantz for eight primetime games simulcast on . He also maintained a studio presence on , offering pregame analysis and predictions that became a staple of CBS's NFL programming. By the 2020s, Simms's annual salary at CBS was estimated at $3 million, reflecting his status as a veteran contributor to the network's high-profile NFL slate. Simms's broadcasting style emphasized critical analysis of quarterback performance, drawing from his own experience as a two-time champion and 1993 NFL Man of the Year. He frequently broke down play-calling, pocket presence, and , though his bold predictions—such as early endorsements of unproven or controversial team rankings—sparked debates among fans and media. These elements contributed to his polarizing reputation, with memorable moments like his repeated use of phrases such as "talked about it all week" becoming internet memes, while his straightforward critiques occasionally drew criticism for being overly harsh on players. In , Simms received a nomination for a Sports Emmy Award in the Outstanding Sports Personality - Sports Event Analyst category, recognizing his impact on coverage. Beyond CBS, Simms expanded his reach through sustained roles at other outlets. He continued as an NFL analyst for radio, calling select games including broadcasts starting in 2024, with plans extending into 2025 alongside play-by-play voice . Additionally, in 2024, he joined WFAN as a weekly contributor, appearing on the show to discuss games and broader topics. Simms's 26-year run at CBS concluded in 2024 following the expiration of his contract after , amid a network shakeup that saw revamp The NFL Today by replacing him and Esiason with Matt Ryan. Simms described the departure as expected given industry changes, expressing contentment with his legacy while pursuing new opportunities in radio and local media.

Recent Broadcasting Ventures

Following his departure from CBS Sports in 2024 after a 27-year tenure, Phil Simms adopted a lighter broadcasting schedule, emphasizing radio contributions and occasional high-profile appearances over a full NFL slate. This shift allowed him to balance professional commitments with personal interests, including family and business pursuits. In 2025, Simms returned to as a game analyst for three Big Ten college football matchups streamed exclusively on Peacock, marking his first college broadcasting role since his playing days at . He partnered with play-by-play announcer Paul Burmeister for these assignments, which included games such as Rutgers versus (OH) and versus . This selective engagement highlighted Simms' enduring expertise in football analysis while reconnecting him with , where he had previously worked from 1995 to 2003. Simms also maintained his radio presence in 2025 through , contributing to playoff coverage and co-hosting the "Simms Complete" with his son Matt, where they previewed key matchups like the ' games and analyzed league-wide trends. Additionally, he participated in New York Giants alumni events, leveraging his legacy as a two-time champion to engage fans and support team initiatives. On the business front, Simms expanded his speaking engagements through the AAE Speakers Bureau, delivering keynotes on leadership, motivation, and sports business topics. He featured in a 2025 NJBIZ interview, discussing his post-NFL career transitions, insights, and life in . Looking ahead, Simms has expressed interest in pursuing selective broadcasting opportunities that prioritize in-depth legacy analysis and mentorship, avoiding the rigors of year-round NFL commitments to focus on quality over quantity in his media endeavors.

Personal Life

Family

Phil Simms married Diana Fronfield on February 23, 1980. The couple, who have been together for over 45 years as of 2025, raised their family primarily in , which served as their long-term home base. Simms and Diana have three children: sons (born August 29, 1980) and Matt (born September 27, 1988), both of whom pursued professional football careers, and daughter (born circa 1984), who has not followed in the athletic path but has been involved in key family decisions. played quarterback in the NFL for teams including the and , while Matt Simms appeared for the and . , the middle child, has maintained a lower public profile outside of family matters. The family extended in 2014 when Deirdre married Brian Toal, a former NFL linebacker who played for the New York Giants and other teams. Through Chris and Deirdre, the Simms have seven grandchildren as of 2025, including from Chris: daughter Charlotte and son Phillip; and from Deirdre: Patrick, Elizabeth, and Brian (noted as of 2020, with additional grandchildren since). Throughout Simms' NFL career and broadcasting tenure, his family provided consistent support, with Diana and the children often attending games and events. This dynamic was highlighted in a 2025 controversy when Simms initially considered allowing New York Giants prospect Abdul Carter to wear his retired No. 11 jersey, but Diana and Deirdre opposed the move, leading to its blockage and sparking public discussion about family influence on his legacy decisions. The Simms family's strong ties to football reflect a multi-generational sports legacy, with sons Chris and Matt engaging in the sport at professional levels, and further extended through Deirdre's marriage and the grandchildren's involvement, all directly influenced by Phil's success as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

Residence and Community Involvement

Phil Simms has resided in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, since purchasing his estate there in 1999, a location that offers proximity to the New York Giants' facilities in East Rutherford while providing a measure of privacy for his family. The sprawling property, spanning nearly 20 acres, includes amenities such as a private pond, home gym, and wine cellar, reflecting a settled post-retirement lifestyle away from the public eye. In his , Simms maintains a low profile, frequently sharing his passion for through social media posts on , where he has highlighted rounds and related events. His estimated net worth stands at $16 million as of 2025, accumulated primarily from his career , contracts, and endorsements. Simms has discussed interests and his trajectory in recent interviews, including potential investments and ongoing media opportunities following his long tenure at . Simms engages in community efforts through participation in charitable events, such as those organized by the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation, where he has been actively involved since its inception over two decades ago to support families facing medical and financial hardships. He has spoken on leadership and teamwork at corporate functions, including a conversation at the in 2024. In 2011, Simms was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, honoring his roots in , and his professional achievements. Regarding health, Simms underwent arthroscopic on his right in 1992 to remove chips, which sidelined him for several weeks during his final season. He remains active in networks, serving as an ambassador for Alumni Health initiatives and participating in events at his alma mater, , including the 2025 dedication of Phil Simms Stadium.

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