Phil Simms
Philip Martin Simms (born November 3, 1955) is a former American football quarterback who spent his entire 15-year professional career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL), leading the team to two Super Bowl victories and earning recognition as one of the franchise's most iconic players before transitioning to a prominent role as a sports broadcaster.[1] Born in Springfield, Kentucky, Simms attended Morehead State University, where he played college football 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.[1][2] Selected by the Giants as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft, Simms quickly established himself as the team's starting quarterback, appearing in 164 games and setting numerous franchise passing records at the time of his retirement, including in completions (2,576) and touchdowns (199).[1][2][3] During his tenure with the Giants from 1979 to 1993, Simms guided the team to Super Bowl XXI 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 Denver Broncos, and to Super Bowl XXV in 1991, securing a 20–19 win against the Buffalo Bills.[2] He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 1985 (where he was also named MVP) and 1993, and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 1986.[1][2] Simms' jersey number 11 was retired by the Giants in 1994, and he was inducted into the Morehead State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995 for his contributions to both college and professional football.[2] 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.[4][5][6] 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.[4] Simms also authored the New York Times bestseller Sunday Morning Quarterback in 2004, sharing insights from his playing and broadcasting experiences.[4]Early Life and Education
Early Life and High School
Phillip Martin Simms was born on November 3, 1955, in Springfield, Kentucky, on his grandfather's 399-acre tobacco farm. 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 baseball pitcher who worked demanding factory jobs at places like Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company and later farmed to support the family after being laid off. His mother, Barbara, operated machinery at the same tobacco plant and General Electric, 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.[7][8] 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 Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. With seven siblings, he spent much of his childhood playing baseball and other games on the farm and in Louisville neighborhoods, fostering a competitive spirit under his father's tough guidance. Willie instilled a rigorous work ethic, 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 horse racing 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.[7][8] At Southern High School in Louisville's Okolona area, Simms excelled as a quarterback for the Trojans, leading the team to the 1974 Jefferson County Football Championship during his senior year. He also played third base on the baseball team, earning a scholarship offer from Indiana University 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 scholarship.[9][8]College Career
Phil Simms attended Morehead State University, a small NCAA Division II program in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), where he played quarterback for the Eagles football team from 1975 to 1978 after arriving from Louisville Southern High School.[2] 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.[2][10] 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.[10] 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.[2] 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.[2] 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.[11] 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.[12]Professional Football Career
NFL Draft and Rookie Season
In the 1979 NFL Draft, Phil Simms was selected by the New York Giants with the seventh overall pick in the first round, marking a surprise choice from the small Division II program at Morehead State University.[1] Scouting reports had rated him as the second- or third-best quarterback prospect available, highlighting his strong arm and potential leadership qualities that stood out despite his unconventional college background.[10] The selection drew immediate backlash from Giants fans, who booed loudly upon the announcement by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, reflecting skepticism about passing on more prominent prospects like tight end Kellen Winslow.[13] Simms, George Young's first draft pick as general manager, faced intense scrutiny in the high-pressure New York media environment from the outset.[14] 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.[15] 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.[16] 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.[1] 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.[17]Early Years (1979–1986)
Phil Simms solidified his role as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants in 1980 under head coach Ray Perkins, appearing in all 13 games and throwing for 2,321 yards with 15 touchdowns, though he struggled with 19 interceptions.[1] 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.[18] 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.[1] However, a season-ending shoulder separation sidelined him for the final six games, forcing backup Scott Brunner to start the wild-card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.[18] Simms built a strong rapport with wide receiver 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 knee injury sustained in the preseason, requiring surgery and causing him to miss all games amid the NFL players' strike-shortened year.[19] Perkins departed for the University of Alabama after the season, and Bill Parcells took over as head coach in 1983, initially benching Simms in favor of Brunner.[20] 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 Philadelphia Eagles, which ended his season and contributed to the Giants' dismal 3-12-1 record.[21] 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.[1] 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 Pro Bowl selection and was named the game's MVP after leading the NFC to victory.[1][22] However, offensive line struggles led to the team posting a 10-6 record and an early wild-card exit against the San Francisco 49ers.[18] Over the 1979–1986 period, Simms accumulated more than 17,500 passing yards despite frequent injuries, transitioning from an interception-prone rookie (with 14 picks in 1979) to a more accurate passer, reaching a 55.3% completion rate by 1986.[1] 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.[23]Later Years and Super Bowl Success (1987–1993)
In the 1986 season, Simms guided the New York Giants to a 14-2 record, passing for 3,487 yards and 21 touchdowns while demonstrating improved accuracy and decision-making under pressure.[1] The Giants advanced through the playoffs, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 49-3 in the divisional round and shutting out the Washington Redskins 17-0 in the NFC Championship Game. Culminating in Super Bowl XXI, Simms delivered a masterful performance against the Denver Broncos 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.[24] 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 playoffs.[1] In 1988, he posted 3,359 yards and 21 touchdowns, contributing to a 10-6 record and playoff appearance despite defensive inconsistencies.[1] 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.[25][1] 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 Buffalo Bills, sidelining him for the playoffs.[26] Backup Jeff Hostetler led the Giants to victories over the Bears and 49ers in the NFC playoffs, including a 15-13 NFC Championship win, en route to a 20-19 Super Bowl XXV 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 Pro Bowl 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.[1][27] Over this period, Simms amassed more than 15,000 passing yards, showcasing refined pocket presence that minimized sacks and turnovers in critical moments.[1] 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.[1] 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.[1] The following table summarizes Simms' regular season passing statistics by year:| Year | Games | Att | Cmp | Cmp% | Yds | TD | Int | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 12 | 265 | 134 | 50.6 | 1,743 | 13 | 14 | 66.0 |
| 1980 | 13 | 402 | 193 | 48.0 | 2,321 | 15 | 19 | 58.9 |
| 1981 | 10 | 316 | 172 | 54.4 | 2,031 | 11 | 9 | 74.0 |
| 1983 | 2 | 13 | 7 | 53.8 | 130 | 0 | 1 | 56.6 |
| 1984 | 16 | 533 | 286 | 53.7 | 4,044 | 22 | 18 | 78.1 |
| 1985 | 16 | 495 | 275 | 55.6 | 3,829 | 22 | 20 | 78.6 |
| 1986 | 16 | 468 | 259 | 55.3 | 3,487 | 21 | 22 | 74.6 |
| 1987 | 9 | 282 | 163 | 57.8 | 2,230 | 17 | 9 | 90.0 |
| 1988 | 15 | 479 | 263 | 54.9 | 3,359 | 21 | 11 | 82.1 |
| 1989 | 15 | 405 | 228 | 56.3 | 3,061 | 14 | 14 | 77.6 |
| 1990 | 14 | 311 | 184 | 59.2 | 2,284 | 15 | 4 | 92.7 |
| 1991 | 6 | 141 | 82 | 58.2 | 993 | 8 | 4 | 87.0 |
| 1992 | 4 | 137 | 83 | 60.6 | 912 | 5 | 3 | 83.3 |
| 1993 | 16 | 400 | 247 | 61.8 | 3,038 | 15 | 9 | 88.3 |
| Career | 164 | 4,647 | 2,576 | 55.4 | 33,462 | 199 | 157 | 78.5 |
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.[30][31] 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 passer rating.[1]Key Postseason Games
| Date | Game | Opponent | Result | Completions/Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 4, 1987 | NFC Divisional Round | San Francisco 49ers | W 49-3 | 9/19 | 136 | 4 | 0 | 111.0 |
| January 11, 1987 | NFC Championship | Washington Redskins | W 17-0 | 7/14 | 90 | 1 | 0 | 94.3 |
| January 25, 1987 | Super Bowl XXI | Denver Broncos | W 39-20 | 22/25 | 268 | 3 | 0 | 150.9 |
New York Giants Franchise Records
Phil Simms established numerous New York Giants 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 Eli Manning. 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.[1] These marks underscored his durability and productivity, contributing to a 95-64 regular-season record as the team's quarterback. 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.[3] 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 Super Bowl victories.[1] A highlight was his Super Bowl XXI 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 Super Bowl 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 Cincinnati Bengals, completing 40 of 62 passes—a completions mark later broken by Manning in 2015, but the yardage total endures as the Giants' single-game high as of 2025.[35] His 164 career starts represent one of the longest tenures for a Giants quarterback, laying the groundwork for the team's success in the 1980s and early 1990s, including four playoff appearances and two championships. In recognition of these contributions, Simms was inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor in 2010.[36]| Category | Simms' Stat (Rank as of 2025) | Leader's Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Attempts | 4,647 (2nd) | Eli Manning: 8,119[3] |
| Completions | 2,576 (2nd) | Eli Manning: 4,895[3] |
| Passing Yards | 33,462 (2nd) | Eli Manning: 57,023[3] |
| Passing Touchdowns | 199 (2nd) | Eli Manning: 366[3] |