Phil Simms

Phil Simms was born in Springfield, Kentucky, and starred at Southern High School in Louisville before continuing his football career at Morehead State University where he played from 1975-1978.

Despite a run-heavy offense at Morehead State, Simms displayed the arm strength and competitive grit that would eventually propel him to the NFL spotlight. He lettered all four years for the Eagles and was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the year in 1977. He finished his college career with 5,545 passing yards and 32 touchdowns.

His strong arm, leadership, and clutch performances drew NFL coaches to Kentucky to watch him work out in person. Still, he remained largely unknown to most NFL fans. So when the New York Giants selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft, many Giants fans in attendance actually booed the choice, and several NFL analysts questioned the pick. But he quickly silenced the doubters, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team in his first season.

A two-time Pro Bowler (1985, 1993) and Super Bowl XXI MVP, Simms played a crucial role in leading the Giants to two Super Bowl titles (XXI, XXV). His dominant performance in Super Bowl XXI, completing 22 of 25 passes (88%) for 268 yards and three touchdowns, and earning Super Bowl MVP honors as the Giants defeated the Denver Broncos 39-20, remains one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history.

Simms endured injuries and coaching changes early in his career but solidified himself as the Giants’ franchise quarterback under head coach Bill Parcells. His breakout season came in 1985, when he threw for 4,044 yards and 22 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.

Simms continued to be a steady leader for the Giants and helped guide the team to another championship in Super Bowl XXV (1990 season). However, a late season foot injury prevented him from playing in the postseason, and backup Jeff Hostetler led the team to victory.

Simms played until 1993, earning his second Pro Bowl selection in his final season before retiring as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Giants history. He finished his career with 33,462 passing yards and 199 touchdown passes, ranking among the franchise’s all-time leaders.

Following his playing days, Simms found a new voice in the broadcast booth, becoming a prominent NFL analyst with CBS Sports as a color commentator. Known for his deep understanding of the game and candid commentary, he remained a respected presence in the football world for decades.

Phil Simms’ career has been elite whether he was leading the Giants to championships or breaking down the game for millions of viewers. Simms has remained a trusted voice in football.

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Biography by Grace Frericks.