Morehead State is about to rename its soccer stadium to honor program alumnus and Tremendous Bowl champion quarterback Phil Simms. The college introduced it would maintain a dedication ceremony on Oct. 18 to formally change the ability’s title to Phil Simms Stadium, and the New York Giants legend shall be in attendance through the homecoming weekend festivities.
The Eagles’ 10,000-seat house venue opened in 1964 and is presently named Jayne Stadium, honoring late professor William LeGrande Jayne. The historic naming will stay current when the college installs an honorary plaque contained in the stadium entrance.
“Phil Simms has remained loyal to MSU all through the years,” stated Morehead State athletic director Kelly Wells. “He has given MSU his time, expertise, and treasure to MSU since his days as a school athlete. He has visited Morehead through the summers to host summer season camps for younger athletes and inspired them to contemplate MSU. He has mentored MSU coaches and gamers all through the years. Most notable, he has hosted quite a few fundraising occasions and personally contributed a whole bunch of hundreds of {dollars} to assist the soccer program. This recognition is most deserving and lengthy overdue.”
Simms starred at Morehead State from 1975 to 1978 and closed his faculty soccer profession with 5,545 passing yards and 32 touchdowns. He earned the Ohio Valley Convention Participant of the 12 months award in his 1977 senior season and established himself as a premium NFL Draft prospect.
When the Giants chosen Simms at No. 7 total, he grew to become the primary participant from an FCS college to come back off the board within the first spherical. He stays the fourth-highest chosen participant from an FCS program behind solely Carson Wentz (No. 2, North Dakota State), Steve McNair (No. 3, Alcorn State) and Trey Lance (No. 3, North Dakota State).
What ensued over the subsequent 15 seasons was one of many all-time nice careers by a Large. Simms received two Tremendous Bowls, earned a pair of Professional Bowl picks and was the 1993 NFL Man of the 12 months. The Giants retired his No. 11 jersey and inducted him into their Ring of Honor. Simms stays the NFL document holder for the best completion proportion in a Tremendous Bowl at 88% and boasts the best passer score in a Tremendous Bowl at 150.9.
Following his taking part in profession, Simms was a staple on NFL broadcasts and lengthy served because the lead analyst for CBS Sports activities.
Simms returned to the Morehead State campus in 2015 to finish his schooling and obtain the Bachelor of College Research diploma. The varsity additionally awarded him with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters diploma to acknowledge his lifetime of service to Morehead State.