Morehead State is changing the name of its stadium to honor alumnus Phil Simms, who led the New York Giants to victory in Super Bowl XXI.
The official naming ceremony will happen at the stadium in Morehead, Kentucky, during homecoming weekend on October 18.
Simms played for the team from 1974 to 1978. The Kentucky native threw for 5,545 yards and scored 32 touchdowns during his time there and earned the title of Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1977.
“Phil Simms has stayed committed to MSU over the years,” said athletic director Kelly Wells. “He has shared his time, talent, and resources with MSU since he was a college player. He has come back to Morehead in the summers to run camps for young athletes and encouraged them to think about attending MSU.
“He has guided MSU coaches and players over time. Most importantly, he has organized many fundraising events and personally donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to help support the football program. This honor is well-deserved and long overdue.”
The Giants selected him as the seventh overall pick in 1979, and he stayed with the team until his last NFL season in 1993. This two-time Pro Bowl player is second in franchise history for passing yards (33,462) and touchdown passes (199).
He was named the MVP in New York’s 39-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI, completing 22 of his 25 passes for 268 yards, along with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Simms gained a second Super Bowl ring with the Giants in Super Bowl XXV when Jeff Hostetler took over for him due to an injury and guided the team to a close 20-19 win against the Buffalo Bills.
As he approaches his 70th birthday in November, Simms went back to school in 2015 to earn his bachelor’s degree. The university also awarded him an honorary doctorate.
After finishing his playing career, Simms spent thirty years working as a sports broadcaster.
