Net Worth Ranker
What Is Phil Simms’ Net Worth?
As of 2023, Phil Simms, the celebrated former American football quarterback, has amassed a net worth of approximately $16 million. This financial standing is a result of his successful 15-year career in the National Football League (NFL) playing for the New York Giants, followed by a prominent broadcasting career with major networks like ESPN, NBC, and CBS.
Early Life and Collegiate Career
Phil Simms was born on November 3, 1955, in Springfield, Kentucky, on his grandfather’s farm. He attended St. Dominic’s Elementary before relocating with his family to Louisville, where he studied at St. Rita Catholic School. He later attended Southern High School, where he showcased his quarterback skills for the Trojans football team, graduating in 1974.
For his collegiate career, Simms chose Morehead State University, a Division II NCAA school. While there, he did not achieve significant accolades. In his senior year, he recorded a 53.2% completion percentage. His overall college statistics include a 48.9% completion percentage, 32 touchdowns, and 45 interceptions. The team did not make any postseason appearances during his time there.
NFL Career with the New York Giants
In the 1979 NFL Draft, Simms was controversially selected in the first round by the New York Giants. Despite initial criticism due to his relatively low profile in college football, he quickly demonstrated his talent by winning his first five starts and earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.
During the 1980 season, Simms achieved a 48% completion percentage, throwing 15 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. In 1981, his completion percentage improved to 54.4% before a shoulder injury prematurely ended his season in November. Unfortunately, a knee injury caused Simms to miss the entire 1982 season, and a thumb injury sidelined him after six games in 1983.
Simms overcame his injury struggles in 1984. With a better understanding of NFL defenses, formations, and pass protection schemes, he threw 22 touchdown passes for 4,044 yards, leading the Giants to the playoffs. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and the MVP title. In 1985, Simms led the Giants to ten victories, the most for the team in over two decades.
Super Bowl XXI and Subsequent Seasons
1986 marked Simms’ best season with the Giants, as he passed for 3,487 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the team to 14 victories. In Super Bowl XXI against the Denver Broncos, Simms delivered a historic performance, completing 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards. He set Super Bowl records for accuracy, passer rating, and completions. His coach, Bill Parcells, hailed it as “the best game a quarterback has ever played.” The Giants won the Super Bowl with a score of 39-20, and Simms was named the Super Bowl MVP.
After his Super Bowl victory, Simms continued to perform well. During the strike-shortened 1987 season, he finished with the second-highest quarterback rating in the NFC. In 1988, he recorded a 54.9% completion percentage, guiding the Giants to a 10-6 regular season record. In 1989, Simms posted a 56.3% completion percentage, leading the Giants to a 12-4 regular season record, although they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.
In 1990, Simms had a strong season until a broken foot sidelined him. Jeff Hostetler stepped in as quarterback, leading the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XXV. After the Super Bowl win, Hostetler was named the team’s starting quarterback, reducing Simms’ appearances in the 1991 season. However, Simms returned as the starter in 1992 but suffered an arm injury that ended his season after four games. In 1993, under new head coach Dan Reeves, Simms started all 16 games, leading the Giants to an 11-5 season record. The team released Simms following the season, which led to his retirement.
Sportscasting Career and Media Appearances
After retiring from the NFL, Simms transitioned to sportscasting, beginning with ESPN as a sports analyst. He then moved to NBC, where he served as a color commentator alongside Paul Maguire and Dick Enberg, covering Super Bowls XXX and XXXII. Additionally, Simms announced weightlifting events at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and provided sideline reporting for NBA games on NBC Sports.
In 1998, Simms joined CBS, teaming with Greg Gumbel and later Jim Nantz. He also worked with Lesley Visser, Armen Keteyian, Bonnie Bernstein, Cris Collinsworth, and James Brown. In addition to CBS, Simms provided commentary for the NFL Network. Simms has also made appearances on CBS’s “As the World Turns” and “How I Met Your Mother,” as well as an uncredited cameo in an episode of “Elementary” in 2014. He also served as part of the commentary team in multiple “Madden NFL” video games, alongside Jim Nantz.
Personal Life
Phil Simms is married to Diana, and they have three children: Chris, Deirdre, and Matthew. Both Chris and Matthew have played in the NFL. Phil and Diana reside in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
While specific details regarding Simms’ annual salary during his NFL career are not publicly available, it is known that Super Bowl MVPs often receive bonuses and endorsement opportunities that can significantly boost their earnings. Likewise, specific contract details from his broadcasting career are not widely disclosed. However, prominent sports commentators can command substantial salaries, particularly when associated with major networks like CBS. Based on industry standards, it is plausible that Simms’ broadcasting career has contributed significantly to his $16 million net worth.
Exact details about Simms’ real estate holdings or private aircraft are not publicly accessible. Celebrities often maintain privacy regarding such assets. Similarly, specific details about Simms’ investment portfolio are not publicly disclosed, as financial investments are typically private. As with many high-profile individuals, the majority of Phil Simms’ wealth is likely derived from a combination of career earnings, strategic investments, and endorsement deals.
