Phil Simms
Super Bowl XXI MVP and record-setting quarterback who became a longtime NFL broadcaster.
Phil Simms is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the NFL for 14 seasons with the New York Giants. He was selected in the first round as the seventh overall pick in the 1979 NFL draft out of Morehead State. Simms was named MVP of Super Bowl XXI, setting Super Bowl records for completion percentage (88%) and passer rating (150.9), both of which still stand. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the 1985 and 1993 seasons.
- Position
- Quarterback
- Team
- New York Giants
- Years Active
- 1979–1993
- Major Honor
- Super Bowl XXI MVP
- Hall of Fame
- Inducted 2007
- Jersey Number
- #14
Lore & Background
Simms was born in Springfield, Kentucky, on his grandfather's farm, and attended St. Dominic's Elementary before moving to Louisville. He played quarterback at Southern High School and graduated in 1974. He is a descendant of millionaire Frank Wall and a relative of college football players Doc Kuhn and Shipwreck Kelly. At Morehead State, he set a school record with 5,545 passing yards. The Giants' selection of Simms in the first round was booed by fans. He was nicknamed 'Prince Valiant' by teammates. After his playing career, he became a broadcaster for ESPN, NBC, and CBS, leaving CBS in 2024. He is the father of former NFL quarterback and analyst Chris Simms and former quarterback Matt Simms.
In Their Own Story
The cold air of New Orleans bit through the stadium walls on that January night in 1987. Phil Simms adjusted his gloves, eyes scanning the field as the clock wound down on Super Bowl XXI. With the Giants holding a commanding lead, he raised the ball, ready to execute one final drive. The crowd roared, but inside his helmet, there was only silence and focus, knowing this moment would define his legacy forever.
Reader's Guide
Simms won his first five starts as a rookie in 1979, finishing 6–4 with 1,743 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning NFL All-Rookie Team honors. He was runner-up for Rookie of the Year. After injuries and inconsistent play from 1980 to 1983, he emerged in 1984, passing for 4,044 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Giants to a playoff berth. He was voted to the Pro Bowl and named Pro Bowl MVP that season. In 1985, he passed for 3,829 yards and 22 touchdowns, and in a game against the Bengals threw for 513 yards. In 1986, he passed for 3,487 yards and 21 touchdowns as the Giants won 14 games. In Super Bowl XXI, he completed 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards, 3 touchdowns, and set Super Bowl records. He is credited with first saying 'I'm going to Disney World!' after a championship. He finished his career with 33,462 passing yards.
Did You Know?
- Simms set Super Bowl records for completion percentage (88%) and passer rating (150.9) that still stand.
- He was the first to say 'I'm going to Disney World!' after a championship victory.
- Simms threw for 513 yards in a 1985 game against the Bengals, the fifth-most in a single game in NFL history at the time.
- He was named Pro Bowl MVP in 1985 after leading the NFC to a comeback win with three touchdown passes.
- Morehead State renamed its football venue to Phil Simms Stadium prior to the 2025 homecoming game.
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