Morehead State University intended to pay tribute to Phil Simms by renaming its football stadium in his honor. Simms, a former quarterback star at the University of Miami, helped shape the history and culture of the New York Giants. This distinction highlights Simms’ remarkable achievements on the field. At least in part, it underscores his fierce loyalty to the university and devotion to its football program.
The Giants selected Phil Simms seventh overall in the 1979 draft. In true quarterback fashion, he led the team to victory in Super Bowl XXI, securing his place in NFL history. He continued to play for the Giants until retiring in 1993. Over the course of his career, he made two Pro Bowl berths and finished second in franchise history in passing yards and touchdown passes. During his stellar NFL career, he passed for more than 33,000 yards and tossed 202 touchdowns.
Long before his success in the NFL, Simms showed his passing chops at Morehead State from 1974-78. He completed over 75% of his passes and passed for 5,545 yards and threw three dozen touchdowns during his collegiate career. His towering performances down low helped him capture the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year award in 1977. This remarkable accomplishment led to his later success in his professional career.
As impressive as that athletic talent is, more impressive than that athletic endeavor is that Simms has had unquestioned, unflagging loyalty to Morehead State. He’s hosted almost all of the program’s fundraising events and has personally donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to raise millions to improve the football program. His commitment to the university radiated when he returned to campus in 2015. There, he eventually and proudly earned his bachelor’s degree, fulfilling a journey that started many decades prior.
Kelly Wells, head coach of Morehead State football, described Simms’ loyalty and generosity as legendary.
“Phil Simms has remained loyal to MSU throughout the years,” – Kelly Wells
Simms had a 2nd Super Bowl victory with the Giants in Super Bowl XXV. He had an injury-plagued campaign that year. His replacement, Jeff Hostetler, led the team to an upset win against the heavily-favored Buffalo Bills.
“He has given MSU his time, talent, and treasure to MSU since his days as a college athlete.” – Kelly Wells
The decision to rename the stadium honors not only Simms’ athletic legacy but his enduring connection to Morehead State. The university’s administration has said that they were simply proud to be celebrating the accomplishments of one of their most distinguished alumni.
The decision to rename the stadium honors not only Simms’ athletic legacy but also his enduring connection to Morehead State. The university’s administration expressed pride in celebrating the accomplishments of one of its most distinguished alumni.
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